Everything is Figureoutable

“This phrase and philosophy took root in my soul. Since then, it’s become the most powerful driving force in my life. It helped me end a physically abusive relationship. In college, it helped me win highly competitive and rare work-study positions to pay for room and board and get into the exact classes I wanted—despite prerequisite policies and wait lists. Even as a kid, it’s why I kept trying out for sports and cheer teams, even after getting rejected year after year.”

Forleo demonstrates how the philosophy of “everything is figureoutable” has shaped her resilience by grounding abstract belief in concrete personal experiences. The parallel structure of “It helped me…” reinforces the phrase’s repeated role in overcoming adversity, creating a rhythmic emphasis on persistence. By listing challenges of varying intensity—from escaping abuse to maneuvering academic hurdles—she illustrates the philosophy’s universal applicability, making it relatable across different life situations. The use of first-person narration enhances emotional connection and allows readers to see how adopting this mindset can lead to real, transformative change.

“Everything is figureoutable will change your life. You can use it to solve mundane problems like a busted washing machine or a flat tire. You can use it to build a company, reshape your health, or create financial freedom. You can use it to save (or end) a relationship or create the most magnificent, passionate love story of your dreams. You can use it to find your way out of chronic stress, grief, anger, depression, addiction, anxiety, hopelessness, and debt.”

Forleo reinforces the transformative power of her philosophy through anaphora, repeating “You can use it to…” to emphasize its wide-ranging applicability. By juxtaposing minor inconveniences like a “busted washing machine” with life-altering struggles such as “chronic stress” and “depression,” she highlights the philosophy’s scalability, suggesting that no problem is beyond resolution. The progression from tangible, everyday issues to personal and emotional challenges mirrors a crescendo effect, making the concept feel increasingly relatable. The use of direct address (“your life,” “your dreams”) creates an intimate, motivational tone, which positions the reader as an active participant rather than a passive observer.

“The first destructive thought to watch out for is ‘I know this already.’ Whenever we feel like we already know something, our minds disengage and shut down. The next time you hear yourself thinking or saying, ‘I know this already,’ especially as you read this book, immediately catch that thought and switch to a growth-minded question. Ask yourself, What can I learn from this?’ Ask it again and again with genuine curiosity. ‘What can I learn from this? What can I learn from this?’”

Forleo challenges the self-limiting belief that prior knowledge is enough, emphasizing that true growth requires a mindset of continuous learning. She engages the reader directly through imperative language (“watch out,” “immediately catch that thought”), which helps create a sense of urgency and personal responsibility. The personification of the mind as something that “disengages and shuts down” illustrates how complacency can hinder progress. Her repeated rhetorical question, “What can I learn from this?” serves as both a mental reset and a reinforcement of her message, as she encourages readers to replace passive acceptance with active inquiry. By structuring the passage around contrast—between knowing and learning, shutting down and engaging—she guides readers toward a mindset shift that fosters adaptability and resilience.

“The second destructive thought virus is ‘This won’t work for me.’ Instead of saying, ‘This won’t work for me,’ which instantly shuts down the possibility of anything working, stop, catch it, and change it to a more productive question. Ask yourself, ‘How can this work me? How can this work for me?’ Asking this question again and again forces you to look beyond the obvious, stretch outside your cognitive comfort zone, and poke holes in your own status quo. You’ll train your brain to find new connections, innovations, opportunities, and possibilities that otherwise would have been missed.”

Forleo addresses the self-defeating mindset that prevents individuals from embracing new opportunities by labeling it as a “destructive thought virus,” metaphorically equating it to an infection that hinders growth. She employs direct instruction (“stop, catch it, and change it”) to prompt immediate cognitive intervention, which reinforces the idea that mindset shifts require conscious effort. The repetition of the restructured question, “How can this work for me?” transforms a passive, dismissive stance into an active pursuit of solutions. By urging readers to “stretch outside [their] cognitive comfort zone” and “poke holes in [their] own status quo,” she highlights the necessity of intellectual flexibility and self-examination. The passage ultimately frames curiosity as a tool for breaking mental barriers, training the brain to seek possibilities rather than limitations.

“Like life, the figureoutable philosophy is a spiral path. Expect to hit some of the same issues again and again, each time at a different level. My goal is to help you master the fundamental mindsets and habits you need to figure anything out, for the rest of your life. You don’t need to add 479 tasks to your morning routine or dozens of complex, time-consuming techniques. The figureoutable philosophy requires just a handful of tools and tenets that will alter the trajectory of your life. Simple is elegant and extremely efficient.”

Forleo presents the figureoutable philosophy as a continuous, evolving journey rather than a one-time solution, using the metaphor of a “spiral path” to illustrate how challenges resurface at different stages of life. This cyclical framing normalizes setbacks, reinforcing resilience as a skill that strengthens over time. She employs direct address (“My goal is to help you...”) to establish a guiding and supportive tone, positioning herself as both mentor and motivator. The contrast between unnecessary complexity (“479 tasks” and “dozens of complex, time-consuming techniques”) and the simplicity of her philosophy underscores its accessibility and efficiency. Her assertion that “Simple is elegant and extremely efficient” functions as both reassurance and persuasion, reinforcing the idea that meaningful transformation does not require overwhelming effort but rather a commitment to core principles.

“At first, that idea may have seemed like a long shot. You might have had no clue how to make it happen, or if it was even possible for you. But somehow you turned that idea into reality. That’s a breathtaking power, isn’t it? Sadly, it’s one many of us take for granted, which is why it’s so important that we remind ourselves…Nothing exists in our world that does not first exist in our mind.”

Forleo emphasizes the transformative power of belief and imagination, asserting that every achievement begins as a thought before becoming reality. By using rhetorical questions (“That’s a breathtaking power, isn’t it?”), she directly engages the reader, prompting self-reflection on their ability to bring ideas to life. Her shift from uncertainty (“You might have had no clue…”) to realization (“somehow you turned that idea into reality”) highlights the natural human tendency to underestimate personal agency. The final statement, “Nothing exists in our world that does not first exist in our mind,” functions as both a philosophical assertion and a motivational challenge, which helps reinforce the idea that mindset is the foundation of all progress.

“Your beliefs are THE master commanders of your behavior and your results. Beliefs control our bodies and how we respond to crises, criticisms, and opportunities. They tell us what to notice, what to focus on, what it means, and what to do about it. The fact that your beliefs shape your reality is undeniable. They affect you physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, intellectually, and culturally.”

Forleo underscores The Power of Mindset in Achieving Goals and shaping every aspect of life, positioning them as the “master commanders” that dictate actions, perceptions, and outcomes. By using definitive language (“undeniable,” “control,” “shape your reality”), she removes any ambiguity, reinforcing that beliefs are not passive thoughts but active forces that influence behavior. Her repetition of “they” at the beginning of multiple sentences creates a rhythmic emphasis on how beliefs govern various facets of existence, from physical to cultural experiences. This structure not only reinforces her argument but also encourages readers to examine their belief systems and recognize their role in shaping success or limitation.

“Sometimes we have no examples to look to for inspiration, yet a belief in what’s possible burns so brightly in our hearts that we devote our lives to making it a reality. Roger Bannister breaking the four-minute mile in 1954 is one example. No one had achieved this goal, yet deep in his heart he believed he could. So he did. Then countless others followed.”

Forleo highlights the transformative power of belief in achieving what once seemed impossible, emphasizing that internal conviction can drive groundbreaking success even in the absence of external validation. By referencing Roger Bannister’s historic feat, she uses a concrete example to illustrate how a single breakthrough can shift collective perception and open new possibilities for others. Her phrasing—“deep in his heart he believed he could. So, he did”—is deliberately simple and declarative, reinforcing the cause-and-effect relationship between belief and action. The brief yet powerful conclusion, “Then countless others followed,” underscores the ripple effect of one person’s courage. It emphasizes that belief is not only personal but also catalytic, which can inspire widespread change.

“Your beliefs are a choice. Every single one of them. Since all beliefs are learned—either consciously or unconsciously—the ones that create pain, misery, and suffering can be unlearned. Released. Let go. Any limiting belief can be erased and replaced. Best of all, changing your beliefs doesn’t have to be hard, it just takes awareness, desire, and practice.”

Forleo asserts that beliefs are not fixed truths but conscious choices, emphasizing personal agency in shaping one’s reality. By framing beliefs as learned behaviors, she dismantles the idea that limiting thoughts are inherent or unchangeable, reinforcing the empowering notion that they can be unlearned and replaced. Her use of short, declarative sentences—“Released. Let go.”—mirrors the ease with which she wants readers to perceive this process. She wants to make it feel attainable rather than overwhelming. The triadic structure of “awareness, desire, and practice” simplifies what could seem like a complex psychological shift, breaking it down into manageable steps. This passage ultimately reframes change as an accessible and natural evolution rather than a difficult struggle.

“Here’s why this distinction is important, especially when it comes to leveraging the figureoutable philosophy. Often, when we use the word ‘can’t,’ we start to behave like victims—powerless against our circumstances. It’s as though we have no control over our time, energy, or choices. We take no responsibility for our lives. When you use the word ‘won’t,’ you feel and behave more powerfully. You remember that you’re in charge of your thoughts and actions. YOU get to determine how to spend your time and resources. You’ll feel more alive and energized and free because you’re taking full responsibility for the state of your life.”

Forleo challenges the disempowering nature of the word “can't” and reframes it as “won't” to shift the reader’s mindset from victimhood to agency. By highlighting how language influences behavior, she reinforces the book’s core philosophy of taking full responsibility for one’s choices. The contrast between “can't” and “won't” is not just semantic but psychological—one implies helplessness, while the other affirms control. Her use of direct address (“YOU get to determine...”) makes the reader an active participant, reinforcing a sense of empowerment. The passage ultimately argues that by changing the way people frame their limitations, they reclaim ownership over their time, energy, and actions, leading to a more purposeful and self-directed life.

“There are two kinds of people in the world: those with reasons and those with results. If you want, you can keep all your reasons (i.e., excuses) why you can’t make change happen. Why you can’t figure things out. You can hang on to all your reasons—your age, your parents, your genetics, your health, where you were born, ad nauseam. No one is going to come and take those reasons away. You have every right to think and believe whatever you want. But if you do hold on to the reasons why you ‘can’t’ know this: You’ll never experience the depth of your love, your gifts, your strength, your creativity, and your highest potential. Neither will the world.”

Forleo presents a stark dichotomy between those who make excuses and those who achieve results, reinforcing the book’s theme of personal accountability. By framing reasons as self-imposed limitations, she challenges the reader to recognize how clinging to excuses—whether related to background, circumstances, or perceived inadequacies—prevents them from realizing their full potential. Her use of a conversational yet assertive tone (“No one is going to come and take those reasons away”) underscores the idea that change is a personal choice. The passage also employs contrast between “holding on” to excuses and “experiencing” one’s full potential, emphasizing that the cost of self-imposed limitations isn’t just personal stagnation but also a loss for the world. Through this framing, Forleo urges readers to shift from a mindset of constraint to one of limitless possibility.

“Guess what? Everyone feels afraid. Every top artist, athlete, writer, performer, parent, businessperson, social activist, entrepreneur, scientist, and military leader. Newbies to icons. Every person you know and admire. They all experience fear on a regular basis. You’re not broken or weak if you’re afraid. You’re human. But this begs the question: Why does fear paralyze some people while others move through it? This one ability is what separates those who aspire from those who achieve.”

Forleo normalizes fear by emphasizing its universality, dismantling the misconception that successful people are fearless. Through a rhythmic and repetitive structure, she lists various accomplished individuals—artists, athletes, activists, and scientists—reinforcing the idea that fear is not a sign of weakness but a shared human experience. The rhetorical question that follows shifts the focus from fear itself to how people respond to it, positioning resilience as the defining trait of high achievers. The contrast between those who are “paralyzed” by fear and those who know How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Fear underscores the book’s central argument: fear is inevitable, but it does not have to be an obstacle. Instead, Forleo presents it as a differentiating factor between those who only dream and those who take action, reinforcing her philosophy that overcoming fear is a skill that can be cultivated.

“Write down the worst, worst, worst-case scenario that could possibly happen if you move ahead with this exciting-yet-fear-inducing idea. Dig into it. Next, rate it on a scale of one to ten in terms of the likelihood that this worst-case scenario will occur, with one being improbable and ten being it’s practically guaranteed to happen. Finally, imagine the worst-case scenario— your worst nightmare—does indeed come true. Then what? Write down an action plan for how you’d recover, rebuild, and get back on your feet.”

Forleo employs a structured, step-by-step exercise to help readers confront and rationalize their fears, transforming abstract anxieties into manageable possibilities. By instructing readers to articulate the “worst, worst, worst-case scenario,” she encourages them to fully engage with their fears rather than avoid them, using repetition to heighten the emotional weight of the perceived risk. The numerical rating system introduces a logical framework that forces an objective evaluation, helping readers recognize that their fears are often exaggerated or unlikely. The final step—creating a recovery plan—shifts the focus from catastrophe to agency, reinforcing the core principle of the book: that no setback is insurmountable. Through this process, Forleo reframes fear as something that can be methodically examined and prepared for, dismantling its power and reinforcing the figureoutable philosophy.

“Think about the word ‘FAIL’ like this: it’s a faithful attempt in learning. That’s it. A faithful attempt in learning. It’s nothing to fear and nothing to avoid. From this perspective, failure is not a glitch in your figureoutable journey, it’s a must-have feature. As cliché as it sounds, you can only truly fail if you stop learning and growing.”

Forleo redefines failure as an essential and inevitable part of growth, using the acronym “FAIL” to reframe it as a “faithful attempt in learning.” This linguistic shift transforms failure from something negative and shameful into a necessary step toward success. Her repetition of the phrase reinforces its importance, while the conversational tone makes the idea feel approachable rather than daunting. By asserting that failure is not a “glitch” but a “must-have feature” of the figureoutable mindset, she positions setbacks as integral to personal and professional progress. The final assertion—that true failure only occurs when one stops learning—emphasizes The Importance of Resilience and Adaptability, encouraging readers to embrace mistakes as part of their journey rather than a reason to quit.

“As basic as it seems, most people still don’t write down what’s most important to them. If I was considering making a bet and you told me that if I wrote that bet on paper, I had a 42 percent HIGHER chance of winning—I’d do it! If I was undergoing some kind of medical protocol and my doctor said, ‘Hey, if you write this down, you’ll increase your chances of healing by 42 percent’—am I NOT going to listen? Who doesn’t want those kind of odds?”

Forleo emphasizes the power of writing down goals by presenting a statistical argument, making the practice feel both practical and urgent. She employs a conversational tone, using rhetorical questions and relatable scenarios—such as gambling and medical treatment—to drive home the significance of this simple habit. By framing goal setting as a logical and data-backed strategy rather than just a motivational cliché, she removes resistance and encourages immediate action. The exaggerated enthusiasm in “Who doesn’t want those kind of odds?” adds a persuasive, playful urgency, reinforcing the idea that not writing down goals is an illogical missed opportunity.

“Always direct the lion’s share of your attention, energy, and effort to what you can control, not what you can’t. Here’s what’s always in your control: your words, actions, behavior, attitude, perspective, focus, effort, and energy. You’re also in control of how you respond to events and circumstances as they occur, whether you like them or not. Here’s what’s never within your control: other people and their words, actions, behavior, attitude, perspective, focus, effort, and energy. You also can’t control the weather, acts of God, or natural laws that govern our existence (e.g., gravity).”

Forleo reinforces the importance of focusing on personal agency by contrasting what individuals can and cannot control. Through a structured parallelism, she lists aspects of life that are always within one’s grasp—words, actions, attitude—against those that remain beyond control, such as other people’s behavior and natural forces. This juxtaposition serves as a grounding reminder that energy spent on uncontrollable factors leads to frustration, whereas directing effort toward personal choices fosters resilience and empowerment. Her use of definitive statements (“Here’s what’s always in your control” and “Here’s what’s never within your control”) creates a sense of clarity and authority, reinforcing the idea that adopting this mindset can lead to greater inner peace and productivity.

“If you’re unfamiliar with the term, ‘future tripping’ refers to the common human tendency to worry about the future at the expense of living fully in the present. But when future tripping is strategic (like with the Ten-Year Test), stressing over future pain can be a powerful catalyst for change.”

Forleo introduces the concept of “future tripping” to describe the tendency to fixate on hypothetical future problems, often at the cost of present well-being. By reframing this habit as a potentially useful tool rather than a purely negative tendency, she highlights how strategic thinking—such as the Ten-Year Test—can turn anxiety into motivation for proactive change. The contrast between unproductive worrying and purposeful foresight is reinforced through her phrasing, which distinguishes between mindless stress and intentional future planning. This rhetorical shift transforms a common psychological pitfall into a practical mindset tool, emphasizing that fear of future regret can serve as a driving force for meaningful action in the present.

“One thing is certain: there is no set blueprint for discovering your life’s work. We’re each on a wholly individualized adventure. You must have the wisdom to keep faith with the signals from your heart and the courage to walk your own path. Those two simple words—‘multipassionate entrepreneur’—helped me finally stop trying to fit myself into a conventional career box and gave me the emotional freedom I needed to spread my misfit wings and fly.”

Forleo challenges the conventional notion of a singular career path, emphasizing that personal fulfillment is an individualized journey without a predefined blueprint. By using phrases like “signals from your heart” and “courage to walk your own path,” she frames career exploration as an intuitive and courageous endeavor rather than a linear or formulaic process. The phrase “multipassionate entrepreneur” serves as a liberating identity, which allowed her to embrace her diverse interests rather than feeling constrained by societal expectations. Her metaphor of “spreading misfit wings and flying” reinforces the idea that self-acceptance and nonconformity lead to personal and professional freedom, as she encourages readers to trust their instincts rather than forcing themselves into traditional molds.

“Perfectionism is deadly. It’s harmful to your health, happiness, and productivity. In a sad and ironic twist, it’s often the primary blocking device that prevents you from becoming, achieving, and feeling your best. Nothing about it is helpful.”

Forleo presents perfectionism as a destructive force rather than a virtue, emphasizing its negative impact on mental well-being, personal fulfillment, and progress. The use of strong, absolute language—“deadly,” “harmful,” and “nothing about it is helpful”—reinforces the urgency of overcoming perfectionist tendencies. Her phrase “primary blocking device” metaphorically positions perfectionism as an obstacle that actively prevents individuals from reaching their full potential. By framing it as both ironic and counterproductive, she challenges the common misconception that striving for flawlessness leads to success, instead arguing that it hinders growth, creativity, and self-acceptance.

“When you’re in a fixed mindset, you believe that talent—without the application of effort—creates success. You’re either born with it or you’re not, and there’s nothing you can do to change it. When in a fixed mindset, you’ll avoid challenges, resist criticism, and perform for approval. This set of beliefs, and the behaviors that flow from it, are destructive. In a growth mindset, you believe that your most basic abilities—like talent and intelligence—can be improved through effort, perseverance, and experience. In this mindset, whatever intelligence and abilities you’re born with are just the start.”

Forleo contrasts the fixed mindset with the growth mindset to highlight the transformative power of effort and perseverance. She defines the fixed mindset as a limiting belief system where success is perceived as innate rather than cultivated, leading individuals to avoid challenges and seek validation rather than growth. Her use of absolute phrasing—“you’re either born with it or you’re not”—reinforces the rigidity of this perspective. In contrast, she presents the growth mindset as expansive and empowering, emphasizing the role of persistence and learning in developing abilities. By framing intelligence and talent as just the starting point rather than fixed traits, Forleo encourages readers to embrace lifelong learning and resilience as keys to personal and professional success.

“Millions of scientists face years, often decades, of ‘failed’ experiments on the path to groundbreaking discoveries. Students make countless spelling errors, mathematical miscalculations, and mistakes as they stretch to grow and learn. Artists and athletes spend years grappling with rejection and defeat in pursuit of greatness. In the United States, LGBTQ+ activists suffered countless painful losses before the Supreme Court finally ruled same-sex marriage a constitutional right. Especially when it comes to issues of social equality, we’ve still got a very long road ahead. From the personal to the global, if solving a problem is that important to you, don’t give up too quickly.”

Forleo uses a series of diverse, real-world examples to illustrate the necessity of perseverance in both personal and societal progress. By referencing scientists, students, artists, athletes, and LGBTQ+ activists, she underscores that failure and setbacks are not only inevitable but essential to achieving meaningful change. Her use of repetition in phrases like “countless spelling errors,” “years grappling with rejection,” and “countless painful losses” reinforces the long-term effort required for success. Additionally, the shift from individual struggles to broader social justice movements highlights the universal nature of persistence. The passage culminates in a direct call to action—“don’t give up too quickly.” This urges readers to remain committed to their goals, no matter how insurmountable obstacles may seem, emphasizing The Importance of Resilience and Adaptability.

“Never give anyone the power to control your emotions. Not your parents. Not your spouse. Not your siblings or friends or coworkers or even your kids. Definitely not your politicians. And especially not randos on the internet. Realize that people can say whatever they want, but you do not have to take it in or give the power to ruin your day. Eleanor Roosevelt said it best: ‘No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.’”

Forleo reinforces The Power of Mindset in Achieving Goals by asserting that emotional control is a choice, not something dictated by external forces. Through the use of direct, emphatic statements—listing various relationships and even “randos on the internet”—she dismantles the idea that others hold power over one’s emotions. The inclusion of Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous quote serves as authoritative reinforcement, which aligns Forleo’s message with a well-established philosophy on self-empowerment. The conversational and humorous tone, particularly in referencing internet strangers, makes the advice feel accessible and relatable while underscoring the importance of emotional resilience in a world filled with external influences.

“There are countless people out there who need the gifts that you and you alone are here to give. If you don’t get off your ass and do the things your heart keeps telling you to do, the world will have lost something truly irreplaceable…YOU.”

Forleo uses direct, urgent language to emphasize personal responsibility and the uniqueness of each individual’s contributions. By stating that “countless people” need what only the reader can offer, she elevates the stakes, which makes inaction feel like a loss not just for the individual but also for the world. The informal and provocative phrase “get off your ass” adds a motivational push, creating a sense of accountability while making the message feel personal and conversational. The final emphasis on “YOU” reinforces the reader’s importance, leaving no room for self-doubt or hesitation. This rhetorical strategy makes the call to action feel immediate and essential.