Self-Made Millionaire Reveals Simple Three-Step Exercise for Financial Success
A self-made millionaire who left school at 16 with no qualifications has shared what he describes as a secret three-step exercise that could help people achieve significant financial success in 2026. Mark Tilbury, who now runs a multi-million-dollar business and has reportedly grossed over £50 million, operates a successful YouTube channel with more than seven million subscribers where he regularly shares wealth-building advice.
The Simple Method the Rich Keep Secret
In a video titled "If I Wanted to Become a Millionaire In 2026, I'd Do This", Tilbury invites aspiring millionaires to grab a pen and paper for what he calls a "simple" method that wealthy individuals supposedly keep to themselves. The business owner focuses his content on achieving financial freedom and building substantial wealth through practical, actionable strategies.
Mark explained his technique clearly: "Well, here's a simple exercise you can do that the rich keep secret. First, write down 10 goals you'd like to accomplish in the next 12 months. Second, have a look at them and think, if you could magically achieve any of these goals in the next 24 hours, which would have the greatest impact on your life?"
The Three-Step Process Explained
The millionaire continued with the third and final step of his exercise: "Third, take that goal to a clean sheet of paper and write a list of all the things you need to do to accomplish it. Set a deadline and take action." This straightforward approach to goal setting and execution forms the core of Tilbury's recommended method for those seeking financial transformation in the coming year.
Despite his current success, Tilbury's background is notably humble. Having left formal education at 16 without qualifications, he has built his wealth through business ventures and digital content creation. His YouTube channel, which boasts an impressive subscriber count exceeding seven million, serves as his primary platform for disseminating financial advice and entrepreneurial wisdom.
Additional Wealth-Building Insights from Business Leaders
This revelation comes alongside similar advice from other successful business figures. Billionaire US businessman Mark Cuban, co-owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and known for his role as an investor on ABC's Shark Tank, has previously shared insights into his financial journey. In a 2011 blog post titled "How To Get Rich", Cuban detailed his transition from flat-sharing to being included in Forbes' World's Richest People list.
Cuban emphasised the importance of financial discipline in wealth accumulation: "It doesn't suck to be rich. The question everyone wants answered is how to get there." While acknowledging there's no universal tactic for achieving prosperity, his first tip was straightforward: "Save your money. Save as much money as you possibly can."
The billionaire offered practical examples of this saving mentality: "Instead of coffee, drink water. Instead of going to McDonald's, eat mac and cheese." He further stressed the importance of avoiding credit card debt, stating: "If you use a credit card, you don't want to be rich. The first step to getting rich requires discipline. If you really want to be rich, you need to find the discipline, can you?"
The Foundation of Financial Success
Cuban also described how being a "smart shopper" represented the initial step toward wealth accumulation, though he acknowledged this approach requires sacrifice that might not suit everyone, particularly those with family responsibilities. Despite this caveat, he reiterated the fundamental importance of saving "as much as you possibly can" as a cornerstone of financial success.
These insights from successful entrepreneurs highlight that while specific methods may vary, common themes of goal setting, disciplined saving, and consistent action emerge as crucial components in wealth-building strategies. Tilbury's three-step exercise provides a structured approach to identifying and pursuing financial objectives, while Cuban's advice emphasises the daily habits and mindset necessary to accumulate and preserve wealth over time.
Both approaches suggest that achieving significant financial success requires more than just earning potential—it demands strategic planning, consistent execution, and sometimes substantial personal sacrifice. As we move further into 2026, these methods offer practical frameworks for those seeking to improve their financial circumstances and work toward greater economic freedom.
