Key Takeaways
1. Everything is figureoutable: Embrace the power of belief
"You wouldn't have the dream if you didn't already have what it takes to make it happen."
Belief shapes reality. Our beliefs act as the hidden scripts that run our lives, determining our thoughts, feelings, and actions. By adopting the belief that everything is figureoutable, we unlock our innate problem-solving abilities and open ourselves to infinite possibilities.
Neuroplasticity supports change. Scientific research shows that our brains are highly adaptable. We can literally rewire our neural pathways through focused attention and repetition. By consistently affirming "everything is figureoutable," we strengthen the neural networks that support resourcefulness and resilience.
Practical application:
- Write down the phrase "Everything is figureoutable" and place it where you'll see it often
- Say it out loud multiple times a day, especially when facing challenges
- Share this belief with others to reinforce it and create a supportive environment
2. Conquer excuses: Time, money, and knowledge are not barriers
"If it's important enough, I'll make the time. If not, I'll make an excuse."
Time is a choice. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. The key is to prioritize what truly matters and eliminate time-wasters. Track your time for a week to identify areas where you can reclaim hours for your goals.
Financial resourcefulness. Lack of money is rarely an insurmountable obstacle. There are always creative ways to fund your dreams or acquire resources:
- Start a side hustle
- Sell unused items
- Seek out grants or scholarships
- Leverage free online education
- Barter skills or services
Knowledge is accessible. In the internet age, information is more readily available than ever before. Embrace a learner's mindset and seek out the knowledge you need through:
- Online courses and tutorials
- Mentorship and networking
- Experimentation and hands-on practice
- Reading books and articles in your field of interest
3. Face your fears: Use them as a compass for growth
"Fear is not the enemy. Waiting to stop feeling afraid is."
Fear as a guide. Often, the things we fear most are precisely what we need to pursue for personal growth. When you feel afraid of something, it's a signal that there's an opportunity for expansion and learning.
Reframe physical sensations. The bodily sensations we associate with fear (racing heart, sweaty palms) are physiologically similar to excitement. By reinterpreting these sensations as positive anticipation rather than dread, we can shift our emotional state.
Practical fear-facing techniques:
- Write down your worst-case scenario and action plan to recover
- Use the "Ten-Year Test": Will this matter in ten years?
- Rename fear sensations with playful terms (e.g., "jambly" instead of "anxious")
- Take small, consistent actions to build confidence in facing fears
4. Start before you're ready: Action breeds courage and motivation
"You never feel ready to do the important things you're meant to do."
Action precedes motivation. Waiting to feel ready or inspired often leads to inaction. By taking small steps forward, even when we don't feel prepared, we generate momentum and motivation.
Embrace the growth zone. Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for personal and professional development. While it may feel uncomfortable, this is where true learning and progress occur.
Strategies to start before you're ready:
- Break big goals into small, manageable tasks
- Set a timer for 5-10 minutes of focused work on your goal
- Share your intentions with others for accountability
- Adopt a "beta testing" mindset: view initial efforts as experiments rather than final products
5. Focus on progress, not perfection: Embrace the messy journey of growth
"Progress is never a straight line."
Perfectionism paralyzes. Striving for perfection often leads to procrastination, self-doubt, and missed opportunities. By focusing on progress instead, we maintain momentum and learn from our experiences.
Celebrate small wins. Acknowledging incremental progress boosts motivation and reinforces positive habits. Keep a "progress journal" to track your advancements, no matter how small.
Strategies for embracing progress:
- Set process-oriented goals (e.g., write for 30 minutes daily) rather than outcome-oriented goals (e.g., publish a bestseller)
- Use the phrase "progress, not perfection" as a mantra when facing setbacks
- Practice self-compassion and treat yourself as you would a good friend
- Regularly review how far you've come rather than fixating on how far you have to go
6. Refuse to be refused: Persistence is key to achieving your dreams
"Sometimes, figuring things out requires that you refuse to be refused."
Persistence pays off. Many successful individuals faced numerous rejections before achieving their goals. By refusing to give up, you increase your chances of eventual success.
Creative problem-solving. When faced with a "no," look for alternative paths or solutions. Often, initial rejections can lead to even better outcomes if we remain open and determined.
Techniques for developing persistence:
- Reframe rejections as redirections rather than failures
- Study the stories of successful people in your field who overcame obstacles
- Develop a "growth mindset" that views challenges as opportunities to learn
- Create a support network of like-minded individuals who encourage your persistence
7. Share your unique gifts: The world needs your special contribution
"YOU are that person for somebody."
Embrace your uniqueness. No one else has your exact combination of experiences, skills, and perspective. Your unique voice and contribution are valuable, even if similar work exists.
Overcome impostor syndrome. Feeling like a fraud is common, even among highly successful individuals. Recognize these feelings as normal and push through them to share your gifts.
Strategies for sharing your gifts:
- Start a "hype file" of compliments and achievements to combat self-doubt
- Focus on serving others rather than self-promotion
- Begin with small, low-stakes ways of sharing your work or ideas
- Remember that by not sharing your gifts, you're depriving others of potential value and inspiration
Last updated:
Review Summary
Everything Is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo receives mixed reviews. Some readers find it inspiring and motivational, praising its practical advice and exercises. They appreciate Forleo's enthusiasm and approach to problem-solving. Others criticize the book for lacking depth, rehashing common self-help ideas, and displaying white privilege. Critics argue it oversimplifies complex issues and fails to address mental health adequately. The book's central message resonates with some, while others find it cliché and potentially harmful. Overall, readers' opinions vary greatly, with some considering it life-changing and others dismissing it as superficial.