Everything is Figureoutable
A pragmatic philosophy of self-empowerment
Book Edition Details
Summary
Ever find yourself brimming with ideas yet stuck on the launchpad of action? "Everything is Figureoutable" is your antidote to the inertia of perfectionism and self-doubt. Marie Forleo delivers a dynamic blueprint for dismantling the mental roadblocks that stifle ambition. Whether you're itching to pivot careers, mend a broken bond, or simply carve out more time for what truly matters, this book equips you with a mindset that redefines impossible. Embrace failure as a stepping stone, prioritize progress over perfection, and let the inspiring tales of everyday triumphs fuel your journey. This isn't just a mantra; it's a pragmatic philosophy that turns hurdles into stepping stones, empowering you to become the unstoppable force you were meant to be.
Introduction
Have you ever felt stuck staring at a challenge that seems impossible to overcome? Whether it's a career transition you've been putting off, a relationship that needs healing, or a dream that feels too big to tackle, we all face moments when life feels overwhelming and solutions seem out of reach. The truth is, you already possess an incredible power that can transform any obstacle into an opportunity for growth. This power isn't found in complicated formulas or expensive courses—it lives within a simple but revolutionary belief that changes everything the moment you embrace it. When you shift your mindset from "I can't" to "I can figure this out," you unlock your natural capacity to create solutions, overcome barriers, and build the life you truly want. Your journey from stuck to unstoppable begins with understanding that no matter what you're facing, there's always a way forward.
Transform Your Beliefs and Eliminate Excuses
At the heart of every breakthrough lies a fundamental shift in what you believe is possible. Your beliefs act as the invisible operating system running your life, determining what you notice, how you respond to challenges, and ultimately what results you create. When you believe something is impossible, your brain shuts down and stops looking for solutions. But when you believe everything is figureoutable, you activate your mind's natural problem-solving abilities. Marie's transformation from a struggling bartender drowning in debt to a successful entrepreneur began when she embraced her mother's philosophy that "everything is figureoutable." Her mother, raised in the Newark projects, had learned to fix roofs, retile bathrooms, and repair broken radios—not because she was formally trained, but because she refused to accept limitation as permanent. When young Marie asked how her mother knew how to do so many things she'd never done before, her mother's response was simple: "Nothing in life is that complicated. You can do whatever you set your mind to if you just roll up your sleeves, get in there, and do it." This belief became Marie's guiding principle through every major transition in her life. When she felt trapped in an abusive relationship, she figured out how to leave safely. When she couldn't afford dance classes, she figured out how to get the training she needed. When her business faced seemingly impossible challenges, she figured out solutions that others had missed. Each success reinforced her belief that there was always a way forward. The key to transforming your beliefs starts with catching yourself in the act of making excuses. Replace "I can't" with "I won't" to reveal the truth—most limitations are choices, not facts. Then challenge yourself to find just one small step you can take today. Start building evidence that supports your new belief through action, not just positive thinking. Stop waiting for perfect conditions or complete certainty. Begin with the conviction that if others have faced similar challenges and found solutions, so can you. Your brain will start noticing opportunities and resources it previously ignored, setting the stage for breakthrough results.
Define Dreams and Start Before You're Ready
The biggest mistake people make is waiting until they feel fully prepared before pursuing their dreams. Readiness is not a prerequisite for progress—it's a byproduct of taking action. When you start before you're ready, you activate the learning process that transforms uncertainty into capability and fear into fuel for growth. Marie's dance career perfectly illustrates this principle. Despite having no formal training and being considered "old" at twenty-five for a dance beginner, she walked into Broadway Dance Center and enrolled in an Absolute Beginner Modern Jazz class. The moment the music started, she burst into tears—not from embarrassment, but from the overwhelming sense of finally being where she belonged. Her body was screaming "YES! Finally, you're listening." She realized she had wasted years wondering if she could be a dancer instead of simply starting to dance. Within months of that first class, Marie was substitute teaching fitness classes despite minimal experience. When an MTV producer noticed her energy and unique style, she was offered a choreographer position. Her impulse was to say no—she wasn't ready for such a big opportunity. But she remembered that you never feel ready for the important things you're meant to do. She said yes, and that single decision launched a career that included starring in workout videos, choreographing commercials, and becoming one of Nike's first Elite Dance Athletes. The secret is to take your dreams from the realm of imagination into physical reality through engagement. Clarity comes from engagement, not thought. Sign up for the class. Send the email. Make the call. Schedule the meeting. Every small action generates feedback that informs your next move and builds the confidence you thought you needed before starting. When fear whispers that you're not qualified enough, remember that courage isn't the absence of fear—it's feeling the fear and taking action anyway. Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. The path reveals itself as you walk it.
Progress Not Perfection: Never Give Up
Perfectionism is not about having high standards—it's about fear. Fear of making mistakes, looking foolish, or discovering you're not as capable as you hoped. This fear paralyzes progress and keeps you trapped in cycles of preparation without execution. The antidote is embracing a simple mantra that transforms your relationship with growth: progress not perfection. Marie learned this lesson painfully when she organized her first workshop in her friend's basement. With homemade workbooks and a big easel, she presented "How to Create a Life You Love" to an audience of five people—her friend, two neighbors dragged off the street, and her parents. Looking back, she felt embarrassed by the amateur setup and tiny audience. But this "failure" taught her a crucial principle: starting small and imperfect beats staying stuck in preparation mode. That basement workshop became the foundation for a multimillion-dollar education company. Each subsequent event built on lessons learned from the previous one. Marie's online show started with a basic webcam and no professional equipment, yet evolved into an award-winning series viewed by millions worldwide. The key was maintaining focus on progress rather than perfection, allowing each iteration to be better than the last without demanding immediate mastery. When you commit to progress over perfection, you give yourself permission to be a beginner. You stop comparing your behind-the-scenes struggles to others' highlight reels. You measure success by effort invested and lessons learned rather than flawless execution. This mindset shift is liberating because it removes the impossible burden of getting everything right immediately. Expect setbacks, mistakes, and moments of doubt—they're not signs you should quit, but evidence you're growing. Ask yourself "What's the next right move?" when challenges arise. Take small daily actions toward your goal, celebrate incremental improvements, and trust that consistency over time creates extraordinary results. The path to mastery is paved with imperfect attempts and continuous refinement. Embrace the messiness of learning, knowing that your willingness to begin imperfectly is what separates dreamers from achievers.
Summary
The most profound transformations happen when you shift from seeing obstacles as permanent roadblocks to viewing them as puzzles waiting to be solved. As Marie learned from her mother's wisdom and proved through her own journey, "Everything is figureoutable" isn't just an optimistic saying—it's a practical approach to life that unlocks your natural problem-solving abilities. When you believe solutions exist, your brain starts finding them. When you eliminate excuses and take responsibility for your results, you reclaim your power to change your circumstances. When you start before you feel ready, you discover that competence comes through action, not preparation. When you choose progress over perfection, you build momentum that carries you through inevitable setbacks toward your goals. Your next step is beautifully simple: identify one challenge you've been avoiding and ask yourself, "How can I figure this out?" Then take the smallest possible action today, even if it's imperfect. Remember, you already have everything you need within you to solve the problems in front of you and create the life you truly want.
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By Marie Forleo
