Everything is Figureoutable

Chapter 1 introduces the foundational philosophy that has shaped Forleo’s life: the belief that no challenge is insurmountable. She illustrates this idea through the story of her mother, a resourceful and determined woman who tackled every obstacle head-on. Raised in a tough environment, Forleo’s mother learned to be independent and self-sufficient, making the most of what little she had. She taught Marie how to stretch a dollar, find creative solutions, and seize opportunities—even if it meant mailing in proofs of purchase to earn small rewards like a Tropicana-branded orange-shaped radio. That radio became a symbol of her mother’s relentless drive, accompanying her during countless DIY projects, from repairing a roof to retiling a bathroom, all without formal training or guidance.

One pivotal moment in Forleo’s childhood occurred when she found her mother at the kitchen table, painstakingly repairing that same radio. When Marie asked how she knew how to fix it, her mother responded with a phrase that would become the guiding principle of Forleo’s life: “Everything is figureoutable” (2). This simple yet powerful mindset became the foundation of her approach to life, helping her overcome rejection, secure opportunities, and build a multimillion-dollar business from scratch—without connections, experience, or formal credentials.