THE GOAL DIGGER.
Marie Forleo is the physical embodiment of #MotivationMondays.
Named “thought leader for the next generation” by our future president Oprah Winfrey, Marie has built a digital empire for empowering individuals to achieve their goals.
With a book in 16 languages, online training programs, and an award-winning show MarieTV with an audience in 195 countries, Forleo’s passion is helping people create the business and life of their dreams. But if you think she’s above failure or insecurity, don’t get it twisted—“I’m full of self-doubt and also extraordinarily comfortable in my own skin,” says the eternal optimist, whose approachable mantra is “everything is figureoutable.”
Below, get motivated with Marie.
Name: Marie Forleo
Instagram: @marieforleo
What does wellness mean to you?
Consciously and consistently nurturing my health on every level — physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
You're working on a new book. Can you give us a little insight as to what it's about?
My book is called Everything Is Figureoutable: How One Simple Belief Can Help You Overcome Any Obstacle and Create Unstoppable Success. It's a philosophy of relentless, flexible optimism that shows you how to cultivate your resourcefulness, courage, and creativity to always and a way forward — no matter what.
Why do you think so many women are struggling with the work/life balance?
Because many of us are trying to live up to a completely unrealistic ideal of what it means to be a successful woman. Which includes achieving some mythical, elusive state of 'balance.' What does that even mean, anyway? Similarly, we've also allowed tech companies and social media to infiltrate every part of our lives and co-opt our time, attention and sense of worth.
Since you describe yourself as an optimist. Do you think anyone can be an optimist?
Unquestionably. It's a habit anyone can develop. One of the greatest powers we've been given is the chance to direct our own thoughts. In any given moment, we can choose to see what's right or what's wrong. Research has proven that our brains are adaptable. The brain is like a muscle in that it changes and gets stronger with use. Studies in neuroscience show that we can train our brain to think in new ways, which means we can indeed become optimists.
Have you found balance in your own life?
I don't strive for balance. I strive for health, fulfillment, growth, and fun. Often, I achieve those states through living and working in a way that could appear to others as "unbalanced." But what's most important to me is how I feel and what I contribute to others, not how I look.
Where do your drive and passion come from?
I love helping people. I love learning. I love connecting. Most of all, I love the process of growth and creation.
What are your biggest fears about running a business?
At this moment, I don't have any. The constant challenge and change inherent in modern business is something I thrive on.
What's something you'd like people to know about your job that they probably don’t?
How absolutely mundane my day-to-day is. I'm in sweatpants 85% of the time!
IYO-- How can we stay original when we are so saturated by other people's work?
Two frames on this. First, realize that everyone is influenced by others. Everything is a remix. Focus less on trying to be 'original' and more on making, saying and sharing what is meaningful and true to your heart. Second: put on blinders for a bit. Stop following people you compare yourself with and find inspiration far outside of your industry.
What about your career makes you feel the most complete?
Connecting with people from every corner of the world (we have an audience in 195 countries) and having the chance to play some small part in helping them bring their dreams to life.
If you had to trade jobs with anyone else in the world, who would it be and why?
Beyoncé. Why? To experience what it's like to sing with that much freedom, grace and power.
At what point in your career did you find the confidence to really take charge and become the woman you are today?
I'm a bit of a paradox in this way: I'm full of self-doubt and also extraordinarily comfortable in my own skin.
"I'm full of self-doubt and also extraordinarily comfortable in my own skin."
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What's the best advice you've ever been given? Or your favorite piece of #realtalk?
My fav piece of #realtalk: the more you care about what other people think, the more they own you.
When you hit a big bump in the road, how do you find a new road or a detour?
The philosophy I live by is everything is figureoutable (which is why it's the topic of my book ; ) No matter what, as long as I'm still breathing, I'll find a way or make a way to get back up and keep on moving.
What song do you sing in the shower when you’ve had a bad day?
When I've had a bad day, I don't sing in the shower. But once I'm out, '90s Hip Hop always gets me back in my groove!
