I recently stumbled across a YouTube video where millionaire Robert Herjavec shared lessons he’d picked up from Mark Cuban. I was so hooked that I watched it multiple times. I’m no Shark Tank fan, so Herjavec’s content was new to me. As a business owner, though, I’m always scouring videos to “borrow” ideas or grab tips from successful folks, which is likely why this one landed in my feed. My mornings often involve playing these videos while I get ready for work. Some I skim, and others I rewatch to take notes. This one? It’s a keeper, and the millionaire tips are worth dissecting and pondering. Here are the lessons that really struck a chord.
Build Unshakable Confidence
Expect to win every time
Too often, we’re trapped in a mindset of “I’m not enough.” Unless you’ve practised something so much it’s second nature and you’re totally at ease, stepping into a meeting, especially one involving negotiation or closing a deal, can feel daunting. Without rock-solid confidence, you might find yourself hoping to win rather than expecting to. Most of us do this, and that uncertainty creeps into our words and actions.
Shift to “expecting to win,” with the prep work done, and it’s a different story. You carry yourself as an equal, exuding an “I’ve got this” vibe. It’s harder for others to spot your weaknesses or push your limits. You’ll state what you want clearly and be ready to walk away if the terms don’t suit. For me, this mindset feels powerful and worth embracing.
Force Quick, Honest Choices
The less time people have, the more honest with their decision
This gem comes from Cuban giving people just 24 seconds to accept an offer, take it or leave it.
I’ve yet to try this, but it’s reminiscent of those marketing tricks with limited-time deals, nudging people into impulsive “yes” mode over overthinking. It makes sense: a quick “yes” without endless back-and-forth reveals how instinctively positive they feel about the offer. Their subconscious is sold.
If they waver, needing persuasion, you might sway them with effort, but the outcome’s uncertain and not always in your favour. It’s a bold move I’m itching to test.
Act Before the Crowd Catches On
When you walk into a room and everybody knows the answer, the opportunity is gone
I’ve worked with folks who love to gather endless info, consult the whole team, or loop in partners before deciding. It’s natural: when you doubt your judgement, agreement from others bolsters your confidence to act.
Here’s the rub, though: it’s like the stock market. When everyone’s buying, the big gains are usually gone. Sometimes your gut’s nudging you for a reason, and it’s worth listening. Got a hunch you believe in? Research it, weigh the risks and rewards, and if the upside outweighs the cost, seize the moment. Your edge, built from experience, industry know-how, and customer insight, could set you apart.
Focus on Results, Not Effort
There are no participation trophies in life; trophies are only for winners
Ever felt that glow of achievement after a long workday, exhausted, tasks ticked off, thinking you’ve nailed it? I have. Then I started asking: are these tasks driving me toward my goals, or are they just comfy busywork I tackle for a quick ego boost? Too often, we sidestep the tough stuff we’re not great at, the very tasks that need doing.
Piling up completed to-dos that don’t move you forward is like chasing a participation trophy. Effort’s wasted if it doesn’t align with your aims. To win, you’ve got to play for results.
Make Every Hour Count
Time is the great equaliser. Everybody out there gets the same 24 hours a day. Whether you are a billionaire or a blue-collar worker. When you wake up in the morning, that clock starts, you get 24 hours.
We’re told not to compare ourselves to others, it’s a fast track to misery. Yet, in a social media-drenched world, it’s hard to miss everyone’s highlight reels: success, happiness, perfection. Even knowing we all curate our best selves, it’s tough not to feel deflated at times. Herjavec’s take flipped my outlook.
Life is fair in this way: time. It’s our most precious resource, and we each get an equal daily slice. What you do with your 24 hours is your call. That’s an empowering thought, choice is your leverage.
Thrive Through Setbacks
Success is the ability to go from failure to failure, with no lack of enthusiasm, until you are right. When you are right, make it big. You only have to do it once.
I’m a perfectionist. Failures sting, I dwell on missteps, blame myself, and slide into pessimism. The upside? I recover fast. Books are my lifeline; they spark solutions and reignite my drive. Once I spot a fix, I’m back in the game.
This cycle, I’ve realised, is vital. Success isn’t dodging failure, it’s pushing through it, enthusiasm intact, until you hit the mark. And when you do? Go big. You only need that one win.
And lastly – Rewrite Your Story Anytime
It doesn’t matter where we started. If you don’t like the chapters in the book that is your life, here’s the beauty of it. Turn the page. All you got to do is to be right once.
This ties it all together. Our 24-hour clock never stops. Don’t love where you’re at? You’ve got the power to flip the page and rewrite the next bit. One win could change everything—and that’s a thrilling prospect.
These lessons have reframed the way I think about time, decisions, and success. They’re not just business insights; they’re life lessons that encourage us to expect more from ourselves, act decisively, and embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.
What about you? Have you picked up any valuable insights from successful entrepreneurs that changed your perspective? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I’d love to learn from your experiences, too!
