Be prepared for a lot of head-nodding and “hell yeahs” if you pick up this book. My copy is written in and underlined with countless pages flagged with sticky notes–there are just so many excellent points and suggestions that I wanted to revisit. Author, coach, and entrepreneur Marie Forleo shares her inspiring mantra “everything is figureoutable” in a book bearing the same title. She tells her personal story (rising from humble beginnings as a Jersey girl) to how she continues to figure things out and help others as a hugely successful woman today.
Although this book is somewhat geared for female entrepreneurs, there are countless takeaways for educators and people of all walks of life. Marie shares research, personal development activities for the reader to complete, and motivating life advice in this hugely readable 288-page book. She details the importance of believing in yourself and escape limiting beliefs, strategies for eliminating excuses, and how to move through your fears. The included activities are excellent for defining your dreams and goals, with specific steps to get started and keep going.
Some of my favourite takeaways…
Instead of “I know this already”, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” (p. 11)
Instead of “This won’t work for me”, ask yourself, “How can this work for me?” (p. 11)
All progress begins with a brave decision. Action spawns courage, not the other way around. Clarity comes from action, not thought. (p. 162)
Not all criticism is created equal. As long as there is creativity, there will be criticism of it. Fact: You’re already being judged right now. Fact: Everything you love is despised by someone else. (p. 223-225)
If you long for more support, support others. If you long for more appreciation, appreciate others. If you long for more love and acceptance, love and accept others. If you long for more recognition, recognize others. If you long for more celebration, celebrate others. If you long for more understanding, understand others. (p. 260)
This book gives you the thought processes, tools, and strategies to change your life in a fun, research-based, and readable format. I know that I’ll refer to this book over and over again. If you’re interested, I’d recommend buying the actual book, as it’s difficult to complete the activities without a paper book to refer to. Have you read this book? I’d love to hear your favourite takeaways–comment below!