Everything is Figureoutable
by Marie Forleo
A revolutionary mindset and practical action plan for when you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or lost. Marie Forleo shares her philosophy that any problem, challenge, or dream is figureoutable.
Spoiler Warning
This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own discretion if you haven't finished the book yet.
Overview
Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo is a game-changing book about mindset, problem-solving, and taking action on your dreams. Based on a simple philosophy her mother taught her, Forleo shows how adopting a "figureoutable" mindset transforms challenges into opportunities.
What Makes This Book Special
This isn't your typical self-help book. While it's motivating and inspiring, it's also deeply practical. Every chapter includes exercises, action steps, and real strategies for overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals.
Marie's writing is engaging, honest, and often funny. She shares her own failures and struggles, making the lessons relatable rather than preachy.
The Core Message
Everything IS Figureoutable
The central premise is revolutionary in its simplicity: any problem, challenge, or dream can be figured out if you're willing to:
- Believe it's possible
- Take action (even before you're "ready")
- Learn as you go
- Persist through obstacles
- Get creative with resources
It's a Mindset, Not Magic
This isn't about positive thinking or wishful hoping. It's about:
- Approaching challenges with curiosity rather than fear
- Breaking big problems into manageable steps
- Taking imperfect action instead of waiting for perfect conditions
- Learning from failures and adjusting course
- Being resourceful and creative
Key Lessons
1. Beliefs Shape Reality
Your beliefs about what's possible directly impact what you achieve. If you believe you can figure something out, you'll keep looking for solutions. If you believe it's impossible, you'll stop trying.
2. Start Before You Feel Ready
You'll never feel completely ready. Waiting for the perfect time, perfect plan, or perfect conditions is just procrastination in disguise. Start now, learn fast, adjust as you go.
3. Clarity Comes from Action
You can't think your way to clarity. You have to engage, experiment, and take action. Movement creates momentum and reveals the next steps.
4. Progress Beats Perfection
Perfectionism is fear wearing fancy clothes. Done is better than perfect. Messy action beats perfect inaction every single time.
5. Problems Are Opportunities
Every problem is an opportunity to learn, grow, innovate, and create. The bigger the problem, the bigger the opportunity for impact.
Practical Applications
For Career Changes
Feeling stuck in your job? The "figureoutable" mindset helps you:
- Identify what you really want
- Research new paths
- Build skills while still employed
- Network and make connections
- Take calculated risks
For Creative Projects
Want to write a book, start a business, or launch a podcast? This book helps you:
- Overcome impostor syndrome
- Start before you feel "ready"
- Handle criticism and setbacks
- Stay motivated through the messy middle
- Complete what you start
For Personal Growth
Working on relationships, health, or habits? The principles apply:
- Break down overwhelming goals
- Address limiting beliefs
- Take consistent small actions
- Learn from setbacks
- Celebrate progress
What I Loved
The Practicality
Every chapter has exercises, action steps, and specific strategies. This isn't just inspiration - it's a blueprint.
The Honesty
Marie shares her own failures, fears, and mistakes. She doesn't pretend it's easy - she shows you it's possible.
The Universality
Whether you're 25 or 65, entrepreneur or employee, creative or corporate - these principles work.
The Energy
The book is motivating without being preachy, inspiring without being cheesy. It makes you want to take action immediately.
Favorite Quotes
"Everything is figureoutable."
"Clarity comes from engagement, not thought."
"If it matters to you, you'll find a way. If it doesn't, you'll find an excuse."
"Don't wait to be picked. Pick yourself."
"The only failure is not trying."
Who Should Read This
- Anyone feeling stuck in their career, relationships, or life
- People with big dreams who don't know where to start
- Entrepreneurs and creators facing obstacles
- Those struggling with procrastination or perfectionism
- Anyone who needs a mindset shift and practical tools
Final Thoughts
Everything is Figureoutable is one of those rare books that's both deeply motivating and intensely practical. It doesn't just make you feel good - it gives you tools to make real changes in your life.
I've returned to this book multiple times when facing challenges or pursuing new goals. The "figureoutable" mindset has helped me:
- Launch projects I was scared to start
- Navigate career transitions
- Overcome creative blocks
- Handle difficult situations with more confidence
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about how to achieve your goals, this book is for you. It's a powerful reminder that you're more capable than you think, and that almost any challenge can be figured out with the right mindset and consistent action.
This is a book that changes how you approach problems, pursue dreams, and live your life. Absolutely essential reading. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Notes & Takeaways
The Core Philosophy
Everything is Figureoutable is built on a simple but powerful belief that Marie Forleo learned from her mother: "Nothing in life is that complicated. You can do whatever you set your mind to if you just roll up your sleeves and get to work."
The Mindset
This isn't just positive thinking - it's a practical framework for approaching challenges:
- Problems are puzzles to solve, not insurmountable obstacles
- You don't need to know how before you start
- Resources can be found, skills can be learned
- Action creates clarity and momentum
- "Figureoutable" is a trainable skill, not an inherent trait
Why It Works
The "everything is figureoutable" mindset works because it:
- Shifts you from victim to creator
- Replaces fear with curiosity
- Transforms overwhelm into action steps
- Builds confidence through small wins
- Creates a bias toward problem-solving
Key Concepts
1. Beliefs Create Reality
Your beliefs about what's possible directly impact what you achieve. If you believe something is figureoutable, you'll find a way. If you believe it's impossible, you'll stop looking for solutions.
2. Start Before You're Ready
Waiting for perfect conditions is procrastination in disguise. You'll never feel completely ready. Start, learn, adjust, repeat.
3. Progress Over Perfection
Perfectionism is fear wearing a fancy outfit. Done is better than perfect. Messy action beats perfect inaction every time.
4. Problems Are Opportunities
Every problem is an opportunity to learn, grow, and create something new. The bigger the problem, the bigger the opportunity.
5. You Have More Resources Than You Think
When you're committed to figuring something out, you'll be amazed at the resources, connections, and solutions that appear.
Practical Tools
The book includes:
- Exercises to identify limiting beliefs
- Strategies for breaking down overwhelming goals
- Techniques for overcoming fear and procrastination
- Methods for staying motivated when progress is slow
- Scripts for difficult conversations
- Frameworks for making decisions
What Makes This Book Stand Out
It's Action-Oriented
This isn't just motivational fluff. Every chapter includes practical exercises and specific action steps.
It's Personal
Marie shares her own struggles, failures, and breakthroughs. Her vulnerability makes the lessons more relatable and believable.
It's Universal
Whether you're starting a business, changing careers, healing a relationship, or pursuing a creative dream - the "figureoutable" mindset applies.
It's Empowering
The book doesn't promise easy. It promises possible. And it gives you the tools to make it happen.
Life-Changing Insights
"The only failure is not trying."
"Clarity comes from engagement, not thought."
"If it matters to you, you'll find a way. If it doesn't, you'll find an excuse."
"Don't wait to be picked. Pick yourself."
Final Thoughts
This book is a powerful reminder that we're more capable than we think. When we adopt an "everything is figureoutable" mindset, challenges become opportunities, obstacles become puzzles to solve, and dreams become plans to execute.
It's practical, inspiring, and incredibly empowering. This is a book I return to whenever I'm feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
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