Everything is Figureoutable

Forleo argues that self-doubt and fear are not roadblocks but rather challenges that one must actively confront to achieve one’s full potential. She dismantles the belief that only naturally confident or fearless people succeed, emphasizing instead that courage is built through action. The book challenges the common tendency to wait until fear subsides before taking action, asserting that action itself is the antidote to fear. Forleo repeatedly stresses that fear is not a sign of incompetence but of expansion—it indicates that a person is pushing beyond their comfort zone, a necessary step toward growth. She reframes fear as an opportunity rather than a limitation, urging readers to stop perceiving discomfort as a reason to stop and instead use it as a signal that they are moving in the right direction. Through personal anecdotes, research-backed insights, and the stories of others, she offers a practical approach to overcoming self-doubt by dismantling limiting beliefs, rewiring negative thought patterns, and taking small, consistent steps toward one's goals.

One of the key strategies Forleo offers for overcoming self-doubt is the recognition that thoughts are not facts. She highlights the power of internal narratives and how unchecked negative self-talk reinforces feelings of inadequacy. By questioning these narratives and actively replacing them with empowering beliefs, individuals can weaken self-doubt’s grip. She demonstrates this through her personal mantra, "everything is figureoutable,” a phrase that she encourages readers to adopt as a tool for shifting their mindset from one of helplessness to one of problem-solving. The book also acknowledges the psychological reality of imposter syndrome, showing that even high achievers experience it. Forleo uses the example of Maya Angelou, who despite writing multiple books, still feared she would be exposed as a fraud. By normalizing imposter syndrome, she helps readers realize that self-doubt is not a sign of unworthiness but a psychological tendency that must be overcome through conscious effort.

In addition to shifting one’s internal narrative, Forleo advocates for deliberate, small actions as a means of breaking free from fear’s paralyzing effects. She argues that self-doubt thrives in inaction, whereas taking even the smallest step forward disrupts its power. The book presents fear as a habit—one that can be replaced by the habit of courage. Forleo advises breaking down intimidating goals into micro-actions that gradually build confidence. This strategy helps remove the overwhelming pressure of achieving a major goal all at once and instead shifts the focus to momentum. She illustrates this through her own experience of overcoming resistance in her career, noting that confidence is built through consistent action, not through waiting for the perfect moment. She also highlights the danger of perfectionism, which often masquerades as preparation but, in reality, keeps people stuck in a cycle of avoidance. 

Forleo also tackles the fear of judgment, a significant source of self-doubt that prevents many from pursuing their ambitions. She acknowledges that external criticism and rejection are inevitable, but she teaches readers to reframe these experiences. Rather than fearing criticism, she encourages embracing it as proof of progress. She shares examples from her career where she faced skepticism but chose to persist despite opposition. She urges readers to focus on those who benefit from their work rather than those who doubt them, reinforcing that criticism is often a reflection of the critic’s limitations rather than an objective measure of one’s abilities.