Description
Marie Forleo grew up watching her mother repair things around the house with limited tools and almost no formal training. From fixing broken radios to patching leaking roofs, her mother believed in one guiding principle: everything is figureoutable. This simple phrase shaped Marie’s mindset for life. It taught her that no matter how big or small a challenge may seem, there is always a way to move forward.
This belief carried Marie through many uncertain times in her career. After college, she worked a series of jobs—on Wall Street, in fashion magazines, and in advertising. None of them gave her real satisfaction. When she discovered the world of life coaching, something clicked. She felt drawn to help others reach their goals, but doubt immediately crept in. She was young, in debt, and unsure if anyone would take her seriously. Still, she remembered her mother’s words. She took on side jobs, built her business little by little, and stayed committed until her vision became reality.
The message is clear: our ideas don’t turn into reality by themselves. Hard work, patience, and persistence are necessary. Challenges and delays will happen. Success comes only when we keep going, fueled by the belief that problems can be solved.
At the heart of the philosophy is the power of belief. When we believe something is impossible, we stop ourselves before we even try. Telling ourselves “I can’t” creates a cycle where we avoid action, and as a result, we never progress. On the other hand, when we believe a solution is possible, we naturally take steps toward it. Each small win builds confidence, proving that our doubts were only illusions.
This is why “everything is figureoutable” is so powerful. It is not a guarantee that things will be easy, but it keeps the door open. It invites us to search for answers instead of surrendering to excuses.
Excuses are often disguised as limitations. We say we don’t have enough time, enough money, or enough knowledge. Yet most of these barriers are choices, not permanent walls. Time can be reclaimed by cutting distractions. Money can be earned, saved, or gathered in creative ways. Knowledge can be learned through countless free or affordable resources. When something truly matters, people find ways to make it happen. Saying “I can’t” usually means “I won’t”—and recognizing that difference is liberating.
Fear is another obstacle. Fear shows up whenever we are about to do something new or meaningful. It speeds up our heartbeat, makes our palms sweat, and fills our mind with doubts. Many people interpret fear as a sign to stop. But fear can also be reframed. Often, the presence of fear means the goal truly matters to us. It points us toward the direction we deeply care about. Instead of treating fear as an enemy, we can treat it as a compass.
Taking action is the only way to overcome fear and indecision. We often wait for clarity before moving, but clarity comes through movement. Small steps are the key. You don’t need to quit your job to pursue a passion immediately—you can start with a single class, a single conversation, or a single experiment. Even small actions break the cycle of hesitation and build momentum.
Waiting until you feel “ready” is another trap. Readiness rarely arrives in advance. Skills, confidence, and knowledge grow through doing, not waiting. Just like exercise builds energy after you begin, progress comes after you start—not before. The only way to feel prepared is to begin before you are fully ready.
This philosophy doesn’t deny that life can be difficult. Problems may take years to solve. Some paths are exhausting, and success may require sacrifice. But the mindset of “everything is figureoutable” ensures you never give up prematurely. It shifts your role from victim of circumstances to active problem-solver.
The practical wisdom here is simple but life-changing:
Believe solutions exist, even when you cannot see them yet.
Recognize excuses for what they are—choices, not barriers.
Reframe fear as a sign of importance, not a stop signal.
Act first, even in small steps, to gain clarity and momentum.
Stop waiting to be perfectly ready; readiness comes through doing.
Marie’s story shows how this belief is not just motivational talk. It is a practical tool for careers, relationships, finances, creativity, and personal growth. Whether it’s finding the money for a retreat, salvaging a missed flight by improvising, or building a business from scratch, the principle holds true: if you are willing to keep searching, trying, and learning, you will figure it out.
At its core, “everything is figureoutable” is not about perfection or certainty. It’s about resilience. It’s about meeting life’s challenges with curiosity instead of defeat. Problems may be solved differently than you first imagine. The solution may take longer or require more effort than expected. But the mindset guarantees you stay engaged in the process instead of quitting at the start.
The invitation is simple: choose one important dream or goal, and take the first step today. It doesn’t matter how small that step is. What matters is that you move from wishing into doing. Over time, step by step, the path will unfold.
In the end, Marie Forleo’s philosophy is more than just a catchy phrase. It is a reminder that human beings are creators, problem-solvers, and learners. With belief, persistence, and action, there is no challenge too great. Everything is, indeed, figureoutable.
