This simple phrase, popularized by entrepreneur Marie Forleo, is more than just a catchy mantra. It is a powerful mindset that can fundamentally change how you approach challenges in your life. Adopting this philosophy means you stop seeing roadblocks and start seeing puzzles waiting to be solved. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by obstacles, you can approach them with curiosity and confidence. This shift in perspective empowers you to take control and find solutions, no matter how daunting the situation seems.
Ultimately, this mindset is about replacing fear and doubt with proactive problem-solving. It encourages resilience and creativity. When you truly believe that a solution exists, you are far more likely to find it. This guide will provide actionable steps to integrate this powerful belief into your daily habits and thought processes. Source
Reframe Your Internal Dialogue
The first step to making everything figureoutable is changing the way you talk to yourself. Our internal monologue often defaults to negativity when we face a tough problem. Thoughts like “I can’t do this” or “This is impossible” shut down our creative thinking. You must actively challenge and replace these limiting beliefs.
Instead of saying “I don’t know how,” try asking “How can I learn?” This simple switch transforms a dead-end statement into an open-ended question. It immediately puts your brain into solution-finding mode. Similarly, replace “This is too hard” with “What is the first small step I can take?” This reframing makes the challenge feel less intimidating and more manageable. Over time, this conscious effort rewires your automatic responses to stress and difficulty. Consequently, you build a more resilient and resourceful mindset. Experts believe a positive, growth-oriented mindset is a key determinant of success. . Source
. Problem Solving and Decision Making – MIT OpenCourseWare
Break Down Overwhelming Problems
Big goals and complex problems often feel paralyzing. The sheer scale can make it difficult to know where to begin. The figureoutable approach relies on deconstruction. You can break any large challenge down into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This strategy makes the problem less daunting and clarifies the path forward. For example, if your goal is to build a website but you have no experience, the task seems monumental.
However, you can break it down into smaller steps. First, research website-building platforms. Second, choose a domain name. Third, outline the pages you need. Next, design a simple layout. Each of these mini-tasks is far more approachable than the overarching goal. By focusing on and completing one small step at a time, you build momentum and confidence. This methodical process ensures steady progress and prevents you from getting stuck in analysis paralysis. Tackling problems this way can dramatically increase your chances of success. For instance, studies on productivity show that breaking down tasks can improve project completion rates significantly. Artificial Intelligence – MIT OpenCourseWare
Find and Use Your Resources
Figuring things out does not mean you have to do it all alone. In fact, one of the most powerful strategies is knowing how to find and use available resources. We live in an age of unprecedented access to information. A quick online search can provide tutorials, articles, and expert advice on almost any topic imaginable. Therefore, learning how to ask the right questions is a crucial skill.
Beyond the internet, your network is an invaluable resource. Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who may have experience with the problem you are facing. You can also seek out mentors or join communities of people with similar goals. For example, if you are learning a new software, joining an online forum can provide quick answers and support from experienced users. Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows you are committed to finding the best possible solution. Leveraging the knowledge and experience of others accelerates your learning and problem-solving abilities. This collaborative approach often leads to better and more innovative outcomes.
Embrace Imperfect Action
Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Many people wait for the perfect plan or the perfect moment to start. Unfortunately, this often leads to inaction. The figureoutable mindset encourages you to embrace imperfect action. This means starting before you feel completely ready and learning as you go. You do not need to have all the answers to take the first step.
Taking small, imperfect actions creates forward momentum. Furthermore, it provides valuable feedback that you can use to adjust your course. For example, instead of spending months writing a perfect business plan, you could start by talking to a few potential customers. Their feedback will be more valuable than any amount of isolated planning. This iterative process of acting, learning, and adjusting is far more effective than waiting for certainty. Adopting this approach can boost your problem-solving efficiency by a significant margin. . In summary, give yourself permission to be a beginner and make mistakes. Every attempt is a learning opportunity that moves you closer to your goal.