Everything is Figureoutable

Marie Forleo has been CEO of her own education and media company, Marie Forleo International, since 1999. She has been described by Oprah Winfrey as a "thought leader for the next generation". She has her own TV show MarieTV which now has more than 47 million views in 195 countries. She is also the host of The Marie Forleo Podcast which has generated more than nine million downloads to date. Marie Forleo trains entrepreneurs, artists, and go-getters to go after their dreams. She also runs her own training program, B-School, and presents an acclaimed copywriting course. Marie Forleo is a graduate of Seton Hall University.

In business, and in life, when you get right down to it everything is "figureoutable". If you want to go after or achieve something great, there's always a way to get there and you can figure out the path.

This one simple belief — that anything and everything can ultimately be figured out — can be a game-changer for your life and your career. It suggests that circumstances and results are never fixed but can be molded and modified at will. This mindset signals change is possible and even inevitable if you change the way you think and act. That's a very powerful belief to have.

1. Follow the right road map. To get to where you want to be, you need the right road map. This is the only way to get the most bang for your buck. Get your roadmap right and the rest will follow.

2. You've gotta believe. Everything in the material world is first created as someone's thought. Therefore, to create the result you want, shape and control your thoughts and feelings.

3. Eliminate excuses now. It's natural to make excuses but if you're truly committed to figuring things out, all excuses have got to go. Be honest about how flimsy excuses are and move forward.

4. Deal with your fears decisively. Accept that at one time or another you're going to do something dumb. That's OK — everyone does it. Just remember a fall is never final unless you stay on the ground.

5. Take time to define your dreams. The best way to figure out what you want to do in life is to engage — to take action. Stop thinking and start doing. Action begets clarity and is the fastest route that exists.

6. Always start before you're ready. One great way to fast-track learning and growth is to get into the habit of starting things before you're ready. This works. Run towards projects that scare you to grow.

7. Look for progress, not perfection. Forget about trying to do things perfectly. It's a destructive myth. Instead, hold yourself to high standards and make ongoing, regular progress. That's attainable and it's worthwhile.

8. Refuse to be refused. Whenever you strike out and do something new, you'll be criticized and judged. This is normal. Ignore what people say. Let put-downs fire you up.

9. Remember the world needs your gift. You're unique. You're a one-time mega event in the universe. Therefore, when you have an idea, bring it to life. The world values diversity. There's always room for you.

I had heard a little about Marie Forleo, but this book was the first time I'd read much of her work. I knew she was wildly popular amongst Millenials and that her TV show and B-School were held in high regard. I think Everything is Figureoutable shows why.

The essence of this book comes from a piece of advice Marie's mother gave her while growing up. She used to see her mum fixing tiles and working on the roof, and she wondered how she knew about all that stuff. Her mother explained that when you get right down to it, you can figure out anything you want. That's great advice, not just for housekeeping but also as a philosophy in business.

This book is an interesting mix of hard-nosed business advice and motivational material and quotes. In some places I thought it was a bit heavy on the motivational content but overall a good solid book. I would kind of look at it as Business 101 as it seems to be aimed towards Millenials who are just starting to feel the entrepreneurial itch. If you're in that demographic, this book will appeal.