How did Marie Forleo discover her passion for coaching?

While working at a magazine publishing company, Marie felt a persistent inner voice telling her she was in the wrong place. She then stumbled upon an online article about coaching, which 'lit up her soul like a Christmas tree,' leading her to pursue it by bartending and waiting tables while building her coaching business.

What is the 'inner voice' and how can one tune into it?

Marie believes the inner voice is intuition or one's 'higher self'—a gentle, encouraging, and persistent nudge that may counter external conditioning. To hear it, she suggests paying attention to small intuitive nudges in daily life (like shopping or ordering food), reflecting on past times you ignored it, and practicing meditation and exercise to quiet external 'static'.

How can one find their right career path if they're unhappy but unsure what to do?

Marie's mantra is 'Clarity comes from engagement, not thought.' Instead of overthinking, take action in areas of interest—intern, volunteer, take a class, or read a book. This engagement will provide insights, open creative channels, and help you determine if an interest is a hobby or a viable career, rather than waiting for an epiphany.

How does Marie Forleo recommend becoming a 'better quitter'?

Understanding your risk aversion is crucial. Marie, being risk-averse, kept side jobs (bartending) while starting her business. She cites a study showing entrepreneurs who kept their day jobs were 33% less likely to fail. Quitting doesn't always mean burning bridges; it can involve creating a financial runway or working part-time to explore new ventures.

What are Marie Forleo's three core rules for a 'figureoutable' mindset?

Rule 1: All problems or dreams are figureoutable. Rule 2: If a problem or dream isn't figureoutable, it's a law of nature (e.g., death, taxes). Rule 3: You may not care enough to solve a problem or reach a goal, and that's okay—find something you truly care about. These rules create a framework for honesty about one's true desires.

How does the distinction between 'can't' and 'won't' help personal honesty?

Marie explains that 'can't' often serves as a euphemism for 'won't,' meaning one is unwilling to make the sacrifice or the task isn't a priority. By replacing 'can't' with 'won't' or 'that's not a priority for me right now,' one gains honesty, self-alignment, and empowers themselves as the 'puppet master' of their choices, leading to greater happiness.

How did Marie Forleo and Josh improve their relationship during difficult times?

They utilized Imago Therapy, specifically a structured 'dialogue' tool developed by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt. This helped them understand each other's childhood wounds (Marie's need for freedom, Josh's fear of abandonment) and needs, leading to mutual understanding, healing, and a more integrated relationship where business no longer felt at odds with love.

What is 'Time Genius' and how can it help with burnout?

Time Genius is Marie Forleo's program designed to heal the paradigm of time stress and burnout. It involves shifting to a mindset where 'there is always time for what's most important,' prioritizing one primary project, creating a supportive environment, and using strategies for follow-through without relying on motivation. It helps reduce stress, increase focus, and allow for more personal time.

How does Marie Forleo manage her multi-passionate nature with the need for focus?

Marie tried to focus on one thing but felt like 'cutting off a limb.' She embraced her multi-passionate self, pursuing dance, coaching, and bartending simultaneously. She realized that while this might slow financial growth initially, the joy and fulfillment outweighed it. Her diverse experiences, like being a Nike dance athlete, ultimately enriched her brand and business uniquely.

How can entrepreneurs and creatives navigate social media without its negative effects?

Marie suggests being intentional, setting strong personal boundaries, and using creativity. This could involve having a team post content, setting limits on usage, muting accounts that trigger comparison, and curating your feed to avoid 'junk values.' The key is to use the medium to connect and serve while minimizing downsides.

What is the 'Create before you consume' mantra and why is it important?

This mantra encourages individuals to engage in creative or self-nurturing activities (e.g., strong mindset, exercise, nature, connecting with partner, writing, art) before consuming external media upon waking or when feeling insecure/uncomfortable. It helps prevent getting 'sucked into a hole' of comparison and external ideas, promoting a more productive and happier state.

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World Leading Life Coach: 3 Steps To Figuring Out ANYTHING You Want: Marie Forleo | E184

The Diary Of A CEO

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Marie Forleo shares insights on embracing intuition, overcoming fear, and embracing a "figureoutable" mindset for personal growth.

Key Insights

Early life experiences, particularly financial insecurity, can deeply shape beliefs and drive future actions.

Prioritizing money as a primary motivator can lead to overworking and neglecting other important aspects of life.

Intuition is a soft-spoken, persistent inner voice that guides towards a path aligned with one's true self.

Clarity and self-discovery come from engagement and action, not solely from introspection or thought.

The phrase "figureoutable" encapsulates a mindset where challenges and dreams are solvable with willingness and strategic action.

Redefining success beyond external validation (like wealth or followers) to include well-being, relationships, and fulfillment is crucial.

Intentionality is key in managing media consumption and personal relationships, distinguishing between 'can't' and 'won't' is empowering.

The concept of 'time genius' involves recognizing that there is always time for what is truly important, shifting from stress to spaciousness.

Embracing multi-passion is a strength, allowing diverse interests to enrich one's life and career, contrary to the 'one passion' narrative.

Self-compassion is vital, especially for high achievers, and it involves being kinder to oneself and acknowledging progress over perfection.

THE POWER OF EARLY EXPERIENCES AND FINANCIAL MOTIVATION

Marie Forleo's early life was profoundly shaped by witnessing her mother's financial struggles, leading to a deep-seated belief that lack of money equated to a loss of love and safety. This experience fueled a powerful drive to accumulate wealth, which in turn, over time, became a double-edged sword. While it fostered a strong work ethic, it also led to an 'always-on' mentality, self-punishment, and a neglect of personal well-being and relationships. This realization highlighted the cost of making money the sole North Star, dimming other essential human needs and joys.

TUNING INTO INTUITION: LISTENING TO THE INNER VOICE

Forleo emphasizes the existence of a persistent, soft-spoken inner voice – her intuition or higher self – that guides individuals. This voice often nudges us towards paths that may seem counterintuitive to societal conditioning but is ultimately gentle and encouraging. She suggests that while everyone possesses this inner guidance, it requires training to discern it from external noise or fear. Paying attention to small signs, recalling past instances where ignoring this voice led to negative outcomes, and practicing mindfulness through meditation and exercise are crucial steps in honing this ability.

THE 'FIGUREOUTABLE' MINDSET: THREE CORE PRINCIPLES

The 'figureoutable' mindset, central to Forleo's philosophy, is built on three key rules. First, all problems and dreams are figureoutable. Second, if something isn't figureoutable, it's likely a law of nature. Third, and perhaps most crucially, it's essential to acknowledge if you genuinely care enough to solve a problem or achieve a dream. This honesty creates a framework for dedicating energy to what truly matters, recognizing that a lack of progress often stems from a lack of deep-seated desire rather than an inability to figure things out.

CLARITY THROUGH ACTION AND EMBRACING PROGRESS

Forleo advocates that clarity emerges from engagement and action, rather than passive thought or introspection. This means actively pursuing interests, even if they seem unconventional, to gain insight and open creative channels. She stresses the importance of giving oneself permission to experiment and to embrace a messy, iterative process over the pursuit of perfectionism. This approach acknowledges that significant growth and self-discovery often occur through stumbling, learning, and getting back up, rather than waiting for ideal conditions or a complete blueprint.

REDESCRIBING SUCCESS AND MANAGING RELATIONSHIPS

Forleo challenges conventional definitions of success, urging individuals to look beyond external metrics like wealth or follower counts. She highlights the importance of actively cultivating fulfilling relationships and personal well-being. Tools like 'dialogue' from Imago therapy, focusing on presence over constant attention, can transform romantic relationships. She also addresses the societal pressures, particularly on women, regarding life choices like marriage and children, emphasizing the right to choose one's own destiny and to prioritize personal fulfillment and impact. Redefining success requires courage to align actions with core values, not just professional ambition.

BECOMING A 'TIME GENIUS' AND MINDFUL MEDIA CONSUMPTION

The concept of 'time genius' revolves around the understanding that there is always time for what is genuinely important, shifting from a paradigm of time stress to one of spaciousness and control. This involves changing mindsets, learning to ignore the non-essential, designing environments that support productivity, and setting oneself up for follow-through rather than relying on motivation. Furthermore, Forleo stresses intentionality in media consumption, suggesting 'create before you consume' as a powerful mantra. Being mindful of the content one absorbs helps curate a personal 'library' of values, preventing it from being filled with 'junk' that leads to unfulfillment and burnout.

NAVIGATING MULTI-PASSION AND PERSONAL GROWTH

Forleo embraces her identity as a multi-passionate individual, seeing it as a gift rather than a deficit. She encourages others with diverse interests to allow them to flourish, as these varied experiences can enrich one's life and career in unexpected ways. She shares her journey of pursuing dance alongside coaching and bartending, revealing that embracing different passions, even if it initially slows down singular growth, leads to greater fulfillment and a more unique, joyful expression of self. This perspective reframes focus away from a singular path towards embracing the richness of varied life experiences.

ADDRESSING IMPOSTER SYNDROME AND SELF-COMPASSION

High achievers often grapple with imposter syndrome, a feeling of being a fraud, which can persist surprisingly long into a successful career. Forleo openly admits to still experiencing this, particularly when facing new challenges like public speaking. The key, she explains, is practicing self-compassion, acknowledging that it's okay to feel anxious or imperfect. This involves being kind to oneself, celebrating progress over perfection, and recognizing that even seasoned professionals continue to learn and grow. It's about moving away from harsh self-judgment towards acceptance and a deeper faith in one's capabilities and inner wisdom.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Products

●Software & Apps

●Companies

●Organizations

●Books

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Marie Forleo's Guide to a 'Figureoutable' Life

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Track your time meticulously for seven days to identify areas where time is wasted.

Embrace honest self-assessment, distinguishing between 'can't' and 'won't' to align actions with true priorities.

Pursue interests and take action ('Clarity comes from engagement, not thought') to discover your path.

Practice mindfulness through meditation and exercise to quiet external noise and amplify inner intuition.

Utilize tools like 'dialogue' from Imago therapy to improve communication and understanding in relationships.

Redefine success to include happiness and fulfillment, not just financial gain.

Implement strong personal boundaries and intentional media use, creating before you consume.

Avoid This

Don't let perceived lack of time be an excuse for not pursuing what's important.

Avoid perfectionism, as it leads to procrastination; embrace messy, iterative progress.

Don't ignore your inner voice or intuition; pay attention to feelings of expansion or contraction.

Don't rely solely on external motivation; cultivate intrinsic desire and purpose.

Don't outsource your wisdom or look to others to define your path in life.

Avoid constant comparison on social media, as it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and 'junk values'.

Don't allow fear of losing success built to dictate your life choices, especially at the expense of connections and well-being.

Common Questions

Marie's childhood experience of her parents' divorce and her mother's financial distress led her to associate lack of money with loss of love and suffering. This instilled a deep-seated fear and a powerful drive to achieve financial success, which sometimes resulted in over-performance and self-punishment in her early career.

Topics

Time Management Mindset & Self-Improvement Business & Entrepreneurship Relationships & Communication Relationship Dynamics Personal Growth Career Change Burnout Prevention Social Media Intentionality

Mentioned in this video

Concepts

New Jersey

The state where Marie Forleo grew up and experienced a pivotal childhood memory regarding her parents' divorce and her mother's financial struggles.

Imago Therapy

A form of relationship therapy developed by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt, which Marie Forleo and Josh utilized to navigate difficult times in their relationship.

Time Genius

A new program created by Marie Forleo to help individuals overcome time stress, burnout, and prioritize what matters most, leading to greater peace and productivity.

Software & Apps

Crafted London

The website for the jewelry brand Crafted, recommended by the host for checking out their products.

BlueJeans Studio

A feature enhancement within BlueJeans by Verizon that allows for TV-level production quality for virtual events, even with minimal technical experience.

Microsoft Clip Art

A collection of images once widely available in Microsoft Office, mentioned by Marie Forleo to describe the simple tools she used for her first workshop workbook.

Locations

Wall Street

The financial district in New York City where Marie Forleo worked early in her career, motivated by the potential for high income.

Florida

The state where Marie Forleo's grandmother lived, to whom her mother was speaking during a distressing phone call after her divorce.

People

Helen LaKelly Hunt

Co-creator of Imago Relationship Therapy and co-author of 'Getting the Love You Want', whose work significantly helped Marie Forleo's relationship with Josh.

Marie Forleo

An international best-selling author, creator of MarieTV, and a multi-million-dollar entrepreneur who advocates for the 'figureoutable' mindset.

Stephen Bartlett

The host of the Diary of a CEO podcast, an entrepreneur and interviewer.

Harville Hendrix

Co-creator of Imago Relationship Therapy and co-author of 'Getting the Love You Want', whose work significantly helped Marie Forleo's relationship with Josh.

Steve Jobs

Co-founder of Apple, mentioned for taking a typography class that profoundly influenced Apple's design philosophy.

Kim Kardashian

A celebrity whose social media presence is used as an example of content that, if followed, can unintentionally shape one's values or worldview.

Kylie Jenner

A celebrity whose social media presence is used as an example of content that, if followed, can unintentionally shape one's values or worldview.

Tony Robbins

A prominent male life coach mentioned by Stephen Bartlett to highlight the male-dominated nature of the top echelons of the coaching industry.

Companies

Gourmet magazine

A magazine where Marie Forleo worked at a temp agency after leaving Wall Street, before discovering coaching.

A messaging app where people have tagged Stephen Bartlett regarding their 'Huel journey'.

Huel

A nutritional product line including ready-to-drink shakes, foods, and hot & savory collections, promoted by Stephen Bartlett as a sponsor he genuinely believes in for a nutritionally complete, plant-based diet.

Blue Jeans by Verizon

A video conferencing tool praised by the host Stephen Bartlett for its seamless, high-quality video and immersive features, particularly BlueJeans Studio for virtual events.

TikTok

A social media app highlighted as a distraction that can take up significant time if not managed intentionally.

Netflix

A streaming service mentioned as a potential distraction that can consume time away from more valuable activities.

Nike

A prominent sports brand for which Marie Forleo became a dance athlete, an experience that contributed to her unique brand and confidence.

YouTube

A video-sharing platform where Marie Forleo started her own show, building on her experience as a Nike dance athlete.

Apple

A technology company cited as an example of how unique creative inspirations, such as a typography class, can define a brand's success and design philosophy.

Crafted

A jewelry brand, sponsor of The Diary of a CEO, known for making meaningful, high-quality, and affordable pieces.

Organizations

New York Stock Exchange

The major stock exchange where Marie Forleo worked, initially drawn by the income potential.

Books

Everything Is Figureoutable

Marie Forleo's best-selling book that outlines her philosophy for problem-solving, growth, and achieving dreams.

Getting the Love You Want

A book mentioned by Marie Forleo as a 'game-changer' for her relationship, offering tools and insights derived from Imago therapy.

Media

Diary of a CEO

The podcast hosted by Stephen Bartlett where this interview with Marie Forleo takes place.

MarieTV

Marie Forleo's award-winning online show where she answers questions from her audience and shares her insights.

Products

iPad

An Apple product used by the host as an example of how diverse inspirations, like Steve Jobs' typography class, can lead to unique and successful creations.

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