Have you ever felt like an imposter, unable to share your unique gifts with the world? Do you find yourself trapped by fear, held back by limiting beliefs, or struggling to persist through setbacks and criticism? Are you ready to uncover the power of the mantra Everything is figureoutable? Join Marie Forleo as she shares her transformative journey from a Wall Street job that crushed her spirit to becoming a multipassionate entrepreneur, inspiring you to embrace your fears, challenge your beliefs, and take that first step towards realizing your dreams.

Everything Is Figureoutable

Marie Forleo's mom was a force of nature. Raised by alcoholic parents in Newark, she learned to stretch a dollar and became one of the most resourceful people Marie knew. One of her prized possessions was a tiny Tropicana orange radio, earned through saving proofs of purchase.

Marie remembers walking home from school, hearing that radio from the roof where her mom was fixing a leak herself instead of paying $500 for a roofer. Another time, she found her mom retiling the bathroom. It was the 1980s, pre-internet, yet she tackled these tasks without any formal training. Her secret? "Everything is figureoutable," she would say.

This philosophy shaped Marie's life. It helped her escape an abusive relationship, win competitive work-study positions in college, and land jobs in Manhattan's top restaurants, on Wall Street, and even as a Nike Elite Dance athlete—without formal dance training. It fueled her to build a multimillion-dollar, socially conscious company from scratch.

This belief isn't just about minor fixes. It's a mindset that helped Marie climb out of debt, end dead-end relationships, and even produce an award-winning online show watched by millions. It's about believing in our intrinsic power to figure things out, no matter the obstacles.

Marie's book is filled with stories of people who've faced immense challenges—illness, loss, mental health struggles —and emerged stronger by embracing this mindset. It’s about realizing that none of us are broken or incapable. We weren’t given an owner's manual at birth, nor trained to harness our thoughts, emotions, and inner strengths. But everything we need is within us.

In a world facing political, social, and environmental upheaval, this belief is more crucial than ever. Depression and dissatisfaction are rampant, yet we spend more on ice cream than on education and healthcare for all. Change begins with us, believing that everything is figureoutable.

This idea can transform mundane problems and monumental challenges alike. It can help you build a business, improve your health, create financial freedom, and foster meaningful relationships. It can drive societal change by activating the power within each of us.

So, let's embrace this belief. We need your courage, creativity, compassion, and drive. Everything is figureoutable, and together, we can change the world.

Can Believing 'Everything is Figureoutable' Really Change Your Life?

You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines. Progress demands action, humility, courage, self-compassion, and a touch of humor. As Carlos Castaneda wisely noted, “We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.”

Here’s your road map to results:

1. Train Your Brain for Growth: Our brains are like powerful biocomputers, always running programs that either help or hinder us. Be wary of the thoughts “I know this already” and “This won’t work for me.” Transform these into questions like, “What can I learn from this?” and “How can this work for me?” This mindset shift opens up endless opportunities for growth and innovation.

2. Try It Before You Deny It: Embrace the philosophy that everything is figureoutable. Even if this book doesn’t have all the answers, it offers a framework to create your own. Remember, if a problem isn’t figureoutable, it’s likely a fact of life or a law of nature. If you’re passionate enough, you’ll find a way.

3. Don’t Offend Yourself: This book is raw, real, and sprinkled with colorful language. It’s written from the heart. Don’t let the style distract you from the substance. The wisdom within these pages has transformed lives, from the homeless to those battling terminal illnesses. Your potential is limitless, and you have the power to overcome any challenge.

4. Do the Work: This isn’t just about acquiring new information; it’s about taking action. Complete the Insight to Action Challenges with full effort. Writing by hand is especially effective, as it helps you internalize and retain new information. Consistent practice over thirty days can lead to significant improvements.

5. Connect with Our Community: The figureoutable philosophy becomes more powerful when shared. Join a community of like-minded individuals, where you’ll find resources, support, and inspiration.

Here’s a moving example of this philosophy in action: Jenn from New Zealand used it to care for her mother, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. By breaking down overwhelming challenges into manageable tasks, she figured out how to provide her mother with the care she needed in her final weeks. 

Remember, nothing—no fear, no limitation, no circumstance—will ever have the power to hold you back. Everything is figureoutable.

Embrace the Unstoppable: Mastering the 'Everything is Figureoutable' Philosophy

Marie graduated as the valedictorian of Seton Hall University, only to find herself a year later, in tears on the steps of Trinity Church in Manhattan. Marie felt like a failure, trapped in a Wall Street job that didn't fit her spirit. 

Working as a trading assistant was soul-crushing for her. The male-dominated environment, with its strip clubs and cocaine, wasn’t her scene. Even chopping off her hair didn’t make her male colleagues take her seriously. Despite her efforts, the persistent voice inside Marie kept saying, "This isn’t it."

One day, overwhelmed, Marie rushed to the nearest church and prayed for guidance. The answer she received was to call her dad. She poured her heart out to him, and he assured her, “You’ve always been a hard worker. If you hate this job, leave. You have to find something you love.” 

Marie quit and started bartending to pay rent. She explored Parsons School of Design, but it didn’t feel right. Marie moved to Boston for an art program, but still, nothing clicked for her. Back in New York, she landed a job at Gourmet magazine, then Mademoiselle, but the restless voices returned. 

The turning point for Marie came when she discovered "coaching" in an article. Despite her doubts—who would hire a 23-year-old life coach?—she couldn’t shake the feeling this was her calling. Marie enrolled in a coach training program, juggling studies with her job at Mademoiselle. Six months in, she turned down a promotion at Vogue to pursue coaching full-time.

For seven years, Marie built her business slowly, supporting herself through odd jobs. Today, she can say that believing in her ability to figure things out made all the difference.

Belief is powerful. It shapes our reality and controls our physical responses. Studies show how belief can even mimic the effects of morphine or determine the success of surgeries, like in Dr. Bruce Moseley’s sham knee surgery experiment. Beliefs can also enhance cognitive performance, as seen in a study where students performed better on tests when they believed they were being subliminally shown the correct answers.

Our beliefs are formed by our environment, experiences, evidence, examples, and envisioning. Marva Collins, an educator, transformed the lives of “unteachable” children by instilling in them a belief in their potential. 

Changing beliefs isn’t easy. Our brains reinforce what we already believe—a phenomenon known as confirmation bias. But beliefs are choices, and choices can be changed. The key is to recognize and challenge limiting beliefs.

The phrase "Everything is figureoutable" became Marie's mantra. Repeating it daily, she rewired her brain to embrace this powerful belief. This belief has helped Marie overcome obstacles and find solutions where none seemed possible.

Take action. Identify the change you want to make. Challenge your limiting beliefs. Imagine who you’d be without them. And remember, everything is figureoutable. For inspiration, think of Tarina Montreal, who turned her daughter’s scoliosis diagnosis into a story of resilience and advocacy, inspired by the belief that everything is figureoutable.

Is Everything Really 'Figureoutable'? How Can Changing Your Beliefs Shape Your Reality?

Ever had one of those mornings? You sleep with grand plans—workout, meditate, write—but the alarm rings and excuses flood in: "It’s so dark. I need more sleep." By the time you're up, chaos ensues—dog needs walking, work crisis hits, and you notice a stain on your shirt. Contrast this with a morning when excitement wakes you at 4:30 a.m., no alarm necessary. What's the difference? Often, the barrier lies within us: excuses.

Excuses are those little lies we tell ourselves. "I can't exercise; I'm too busy." "I can't afford that class." "I can't find someone special." These excuses sap our energy and power. The truth? Most of the time "can't" really means "won't." We aren't willing to do the work or take the risk.

Consider the stories of Malala Yousafzai and Bethany Hamilton. Malala, shot in the head at 15 for advocating girls' education, went on to address the UN and win a Nobel Prize. Bethany, who lost an arm in a shark attack at 13, returned to surfing and won national titles. Their secret? They didn't let excuses stop them.

Take Dr. Tererai Trent from Zimbabwe. Married off at 11, she dreamed of education, buried her dreams in a tin box, and against all odds, achieved multiple degrees, eventually founding an organization for girls' education. Her motto? "Tinogona"—"It is achievable."

Excuses are dream killers. If we cling to them, we limit our potential. We all have 24 hours. How we use them is a choice. Track your time for a week, and you'll likely find hours wasted on social media or TV. Reclaiming even two hours a day can transform your life. Need more time? Eliminate non-essential media, manage email better, and streamline meal prep.

If money is your excuse, get resourceful. Free online courses, side jobs, selling unused items, or even crowdfunding can provide the funds you need. And if you think you don’t know how to start, remember we live in the age of the internet where nearly every skill is a Google search away.

The art of eliminating excuses lies in embracing responsibility. Your life isn’t determined by external circumstances but by your response to them. So, what's holding you back? If Malala, Bethany, and Tererai could figure it out, so can you.

Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Excuses and Embracing Potential with Malala, Bethany, and Tererai

While on the stunning island of Salina in Sicily, Marie faced a fear head-on. She hadn't ridden a scooter in twenty years, but she was determined. However, her excitement quickly turned to horror when she crashed within seconds, flipping over and landing with a scooter on top of her. Shaken and embarrassed, Marie had a choice: give up or get back on. She chose to face her fear.

Fear can paralyze us, but it’s also a powerful motivator. Everyone experiences fear—whether it’s physical, emotional, or financial. The key, as Marie figured, is not to let it stop you. Fear is misunderstood; it's not the enemy, but a necessary part of growth. Everyone feels it, from top athletes to artists. What sets achievers apart is their ability to move through fear, not avoid it.

Marie believes that fear is just energy we interpret negatively. Bruce Springsteen feels physical sensations before going on stage but interprets them as excitement. By shifting your perspective, you can transform fear into a motivator.

When you face a new challenge, ask yourself: does saying yes make me feel expansive or contracted? Trust your body's wisdom. Fear often signals that something is important to your growth. Additionally, consider the worst-case scenario, its likelihood, and how you’d recover. More often than not, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Failure isn’t final unless you stay down. It’s a faithful attempt in learning. Judge Victoria Pratt reformed the criminal justice system with this mindset. She believes failure is just an event, not a characteristic. You’re not a failure; you’re learning.

Jessica from Missouri used the "everything is figureoutable" philosophy to leave an abusive marriage. She didn’t know what was on the other side but trusted she could figure it out one step at a time. Now, her children see the power of breaking toxic cycles.

So, Marie encourages us to embrace fear as our ally. It’s not about waiting to stop feeling afraid; it’s about acting despite it. Shift your perspective, and remember, everything is figureoutable.

Can Embracing Fear Propel You Towards Success?

Remember when you were a kid and adults would ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Marie had a laundry list of dreams: writer, artist, dancer, businesswoman, and more. She thought college would magically merge these interests into a single career path. It didn’t.

Fast forward to her mid-twenties, Marie felt like the worst life coach ever. She was broke, heartbroken, and living with her parents. A major fight with her mom made it clear she couldn’t stay there, so she moved in with a friend, Dana, and slept on an air mattress in her tiny West Village apartment.

By day, Marie worked on her life coaching business, and by night, she slung drinks. Despite her love for coaching, something felt incomplete. Deep down, she knew she had more to offer but felt like a misfit. The shame of being asked, “So what do you do?” made her cringe. She wanted to explore other passions—like hip-hop dance and fitness—but had no formal training in either.

Frustration led to a breakthrough. Marie said, “Why not experiment?” She signed up for a beginner dance class at the legendary Broadway Dance Center. Terrified and feeling out of place, she pushed through and discovered that the dance floor felt like home. Her body screamed, “YASSS!!! Finally, you’re listening.” That’s when Marie learned: Clarity comes from engagement, not thought.

When trapped in indecision, take tangible actions. Engage. Whether it's changing careers or moving to a new place, do something about it. Action leads to clarity.

Take the inspiring story of Laverne Cox. She faced bullying and rejection but found solace in performing arts. Moving to New York with dreams of acting, she struggled but never quit. Her persistence led to groundbreaking roles, making her a trailblazer for the trans community. Laverne teaches us to stay true to ourselves and our dreams.

The brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS) acts as an attention filter, highlighting what’s important. Clearly defining your dream tells your brain to prioritize it, making you more aware of opportunities to achieve it. Writing down your goals increases your chances of success by 42%, according to Dr. Gail Matthews. It forces clarity and focus.

The story of Paul and Kim is a testament to this. Living in London, far from their New Zealand family, they faced a dilemma: move back home or use all their holidays visiting. A deep conversation led them to start a location-free business. Now, they split their time between London, New Zealand, and other dream destinations, proving that everything is figureoutable.

So, define your dream, engage with it, and take action. Whether big or small, clearly stating your wish activates your internal genie. Focus on what you can control and take the next step. Remember, clarity comes from engagement, not thought. Everything is figureoutable.

Clarity through Engagement: Your Life, Your Dreams, and the Power of Action

Standing outside the Viacom building in Times Square, Marie felt like a fraud. Her palms were sweaty, and she was nauseated. Not one part of her felt ready for the opportunity that awaited her inside. 

Flashback to Marie's first dance class at Broadway Dance Center, where she barely made it through, yet it released her inner dance kraken. Even though she was still living on an air mattress and mired in debt, she pursued her love for hip-hop dance at Crunch Fitness. Her dedication paid off when a teacher suggested she audition to become an instructor. Despite her doubts, Marie knew she’d regret not trying. So, she prepared relentlessly and eventually landed a spot as a substitute teacher.

Fast forward, and Marie started teaching her own classes at Crunch. One day, an MTV producer attended her class and invited her to interview for a choreographer/producer role. She felt unprepared but knew she had to seize the moment. At the interview, Marie decided to give it her all and ultimately got the job, leading to a series of incredible opportunities, including becoming a Nike athlete and starring in dance fitness videos.

Throughout her journey, Marie embraced the concept of starting before she felt ready. This approach helped her gain momentum and fast-track her learning. She also adopted the identity of a "multipassionate entrepreneur," which allowed her to weave her diverse interests into a unique career tapestry.

Marie learned that action precedes courage and motivation. Whether it’s working out or tackling a creative project, starting before you’re ready generates the desire to keep going. This philosophy applies to anything you want to figure out. The key is to overcome the inertia and take that first step, regardless of how unprepared you feel.

In essence, starting before you’re ready is a powerful catalyst for growth. It’s about taking action, embracing discomfort, and valuing learning over certainty. So, lace up your sneakers, take a deep breath, and dive in. Your future self will thank you.

Does Starting Before You're Ready Really Fast-track Success?

Perfection is a myth and a trap, as Elizabeth Gilbert aptly points out. Marie can relate: she has her quirks, like making sure her pasta sauce simmers for twelve hours and karate-chopping throw pillows for aesthetics. While high standards can be motivating, perfectionism is a different beast—it’s fear disguised as a lofty goal. Fear of failure, of looking foolish, of not being good enough. But as universal as that fear is, it’s also a lie.

Perfectionism is paralyzing, as studies show it’s linked to depression, anxiety, and even early death. Yet, dismantling perfectionism is possible without lowering your standards. When you focus on progress instead, you unlock potential and creativity.

Marie learned this firsthand during her first public workshop—a humble beginning in her friend Claire’s basement with just five attendees. Though small, it was a significant step that helped her overcome her perfectionism. The mantra "Starting small and sucky beats staying stucky" became her guiding light.

Embracing progress over perfection is crucial. For example, Molly, a B-School student, struggled for two years with her business but didn’t give up. After some coaching and community support, she refocused and eventually made $65,300 in a single month. Her story underscores that persistence pays off.

Even Marie's own dance journey was riddled with setbacks, like flopping at a Missy Elliott audition. Yet, those failures redirected her to opportunities she couldn’t have imagined, like becoming one of Nike’s first Elite Dance Athletes.

The key is to focus on growth, not flawlessness. As Carol Dweck’s research shows, adopting a growth mindset—believing you can improve through effort—leads to resilience and success.

So, how does one stay in the progress zone? Take small steps, plan for problems, expect self-doubt, and ask, "What’s the next right move?" Sometimes, quitting a project is the best move if it no longer aligns with your goals. Above all, cultivate patience. Mastery and meaningful achievements take time—often years.

Remember, life doesn’t demand perfection; it requires persistence. Just ask Ula, who turned her life around from emotional and financial ruin by embracing the mantra "Everything is figureoutable". Watching MarieTV helped her shift from self-doubt to self-love, proving that small, consistent steps can lead to profound transformations. 

So, keep showing up, focusing on progress, and remember: everything is figureoutable.

Breaking the Chains of Perfectionism: A Journey Towards Progress and Success

Years ago, Marie was caught between a thriving career and a rocky relationship with her beloved, Josh. They hadn’t taken a single vacation together in seven years. Determined to fix things, Marie planned a surprise trip to Barcelona. But, as life would have it, they hit traffic, missed the baggage check-in time, and were told they’d miss their flight. Time froze. Marie's heart sank. Josh’s face reflected deep disappointment—far beyond their missed vacation.

But then, a mantra echoed in Marie's mind: “Everything is figureoutable.” She sprang into action. Marie bought the largest carry-on luggage she could find and they frantically repacked their stuff. They dashed through the airport, dodging soccer kids, and barely made it to the gate. They boarded, only to hear the captain say they’d be delayed due to high winds. Despite setbacks, they eventually reached Barcelona.

This experience taught Marie that persistence can overcome the toughest obstacles. Whether you’re chasing a dream, solving a problem, or fighting for a cause, refusing to be refused is key. Margaret Thatcher said it best: “You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.”

Leymah Gbowee’s story is a powerful example of this. Amid Liberia’s brutal civil wars, she transformed her suffering into action. Leading the Liberian Mass Action for Peace, she rallied thousands of women to demand an end to the violence. Their relentless persistence led to peace talks and eventually ended the war. Leymah’s courage and the unwavering determination of these women show that even the most daunting challenges are figureoutable.

In her own career, Marie faced rejection while trying to secure a studio for her business. Determined, she wrote a heartfelt letter to the building owner, detailing her company’s mission. Her persistence paid off, and they got the space, transforming their work environment and alleviating a major stress point.

Criticism and setbacks are inevitable. Whether it’s a stranger doubting your business, as Marie experienced, or harsh judgments from others, use these moments as fuel to push harder. Remember, the opinions of naysayers don’t define your worth or capability.

Take Leymah’s advice: “If you have unshakable faith in yourself and the possibility of change, you can do almost anything.” Connect your goals to a purpose beyond yourself. This sense of contribution will give you the strength to persist, no matter what.

Can Persistence Overcome the Toughest Obstacles in Life?

Early in Marie's relationship, her partner, Josh, would come home to find Marie's diet consisting of Chef Boyardee and Kraft Mac & Cheese. He suggested juicing and supplements, but she dismissed him. Years later, she met Kris Carr, a wellness icon, and suddenly embraced the lifestyle Josh had been advocating all along. Josh’s face-palm moment highlighted something important: sometimes, people need to hear the same message from different voices.

It’s easy to believe one's ideas aren’t unique or valuable because “it’s all been done before.” But with over 7.7 billion people in the world, there’s always room for a unique voice. Marie believes that everyone's gifts are irreplaceable, and the world needs them. As Jane Goodall said, “Every individual has a role to play.”

Consider this: every song, movie, or book that’s impacted you was created by someone who followed their unique calling. Imagine if they hadn’t. Marie believes that every voice matters just as much. Even icons like J.Lo, Jodie Foster, and Maya Angelou have struggled with impostor syndrome. Research shows 70% of people feel like frauds at times. But sharing these feelings can diminish their power. Marie recommends creating a “hype file” of compliments and achievements to remind oneself of their worth.

She advises shifting focus outward. When one is busy helping others, self-doubt fades. The biggest regret of the dying, she reminds us, is not having the courage to live a life true to oneself. Don’t let that be you. Life is fleeting; don’t waste it saying “I wish I had…”

Marie believes that social connections are crucial. Positive relationships enhance health and happiness. If one wants to succeed, they should build a supportive network. Invest in friendships, nurture the work environment, and stay connected with uplifting communities.

Marie Forleo’s philosophy that “everything is figureoutable” empowers people to tackle problems and pursue dreams. Embrace this mindset, support others, and remember: the world needs your unique gifts. Don’t hold back. You are capable of great things, and your contributions can inspire and lead change.

Unleashing Your Unique Voice: Conquering Self-Doubt and Inspiring Change

The philosophy that "everything is figureoutable" is as a powerful driving force. This belief, instilled by Marie's resourceful mother, emphasizes that no matter the challenge, solutions and capabilities lie within us. It’s a mindset that has guided through personal tribulations and professional triumphs, proving invaluable in various endeavors, from escaping toxic relationships to building a successful, socially conscious business.

This approach isn't confined to small fixes but extends to monumental challenges, empowering people to overcome debt, end unproductive relationships, and achieve significant life goals. It's about harnessing intrinsic power and resilience, even in the face of societal and personal upheavals. The philosophy encourages action, humility, and perseverance, emphasizing that progress requires proactive steps and a positive mindset.

Training the brain for growth by questioning limiting beliefs and embracing new learning opportunities opens pathways to innovation and success. It's about trying new methods before dismissing them and recognizing the value in every effort, however imperfect it might seem.

Facing fear and transforming it into motivation is crucial. Fear, often a signal for growth, should not be a deterrent but an ally in achieving goals. Embracing action before feeling entirely ready can catalyze progress, as taking the first step often generates the momentum needed to continue.

Perfectionism, a common barrier, is debunked in favor of progress. The focus should be on consistent, small actions that lead to significant improvements over time. Persistence, even in the face of setbacks and criticism, is essential. Connecting personal goals to a broader purpose provides the strength to persevere.

Lastly, sharing unique gifts and voices is emphasized. Every individual’s contributions are vital in a world that benefits from diverse perspectives and ideas. Building positive social connections and communities further enhances personal and collective growth.

In essence, the belief that everything is figureoutable fosters an empowered, proactive, and resilient approach to life's challenges, encouraging continuous learning, action, and contribution.

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