Everything Is Figureoutable • Juan's blog

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You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.

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Nearly two decades later, I can say that the only thing that allowed me to take that leap was because a deeper, wiser part of me believed that somehow I’d be able to figure it out.

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Some of our most pivotal beliefs are forged during significant emotional experiences—many of which happen in childhood. The more heightened and penetrating the emotions, the more likely it is that they’ll shape our lives.

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We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are.

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Research has proven that our brains are highly adaptable. The brain is like a muscle in that it changes and gets stronger with use. Scientists often refer to this as “plasticity.” Studies in neuroscience show that we can grow new neural networks and train our brain to think in new ways.

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Ever had a morning like this? You went to bed with every intention of getting up early. You were going to work out, meditate, write—you know, finally become that incredibly productive human you know you can be. Now the phone is vibrating next to your head. Already? Noooo! It’s so dark. I’m so cozy. Sleep is important for my health, right? Just five more minutes. Five minutes pass. Okay, maybe ten more. By the time your feet hit the floor, you’re chasing the day. The dog is begging to be walked. Your phone is blowing up from an unexpected meltdown at work. You notice a stain on your shirt after you’ve walked out the door. Cue David Byrne: Same as it ever was, same as it ever was.

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Here’s why this distinction is important, especially when it comes to leveraging the figureoutable philosophy. Often, when we use the word “can’t,” we start to behave like victims—powerless against our circumstances. It’s as though we have no control over our time, energy, or choices. We take no responsibility for our lives. When you use the word “won’t,” you feel and behave more powerfully. You remember that you’re in charge of your thoughts and actions. YOU get to determine how to spend your time and resources. You’ll feel more alive and energized and free because you’re taking full responsibility for the state of your life.

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You take your life in your own hands, and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame.

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As a boss, I encourage my team members to declare times when they’ll be in focus mode (not available via email or Slack) for multi-hour chunks—sometimes full days—in order to make progress on important projects, distraction-free.

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You never get stronger if you only do easy things.

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Fear is healthy if it inspires you to act. If the fear of losing custody of your kids gets you clean and sober, say thank you. Fear guided you back to love. If the fear of being suffocated under a pile of debt inspires you to get your financial act together, say thank you. Fear gave birth to freedom. If the fear of having a fatal heart attack before your grandkids graduate helps you eat more veggies, say thank you. Fear just gave you a longer, healthier life.

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The figureoutable philosophy doesn’t promise a life free from pain, just one free from regret.

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Once you’ve articulated your darkest fears and recovery plan on paper, flip your perspective. This time, write down the best-case scenarios. What are all the possible upsides that could come from moving ahead? Will you reignite your joy and passion? Learn and grow? Live without a nagging sense of regret? Positively impact others? Are there financial rewards? Creative gains? Relationship benefits?

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Consider the following. Is it possible that the emotion you’ve previously labeled as “fear” might be another emotion altogether? Is it possible that the sensation you’ve assumed is “fear” could also be called anticipation, expectation, or perhaps even excitement?

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I win or I learn, but I never lose.

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Now, obviously, you shouldn’t just write your goal in a journal and call it a day. You should look at it often. Daily is ideal. This keeps your top priority top of mind.

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crushing an “impossible” dream is addictive as hell.

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The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity.

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“Are you ready?” Klaus asked finally. “No,” Sunny answered. “Me neither,” Violet said, “but if we wait until we’re ready we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.”

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All progress begins with a brave decision.

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Perfectionism at its core isn’t about high standards. It’s about fear. Fear of failure. Fear of looking stupid, fear of making a mistake, fear of being judged, criticized, and ridiculed. It’s a fear that one simple fact might be true: You’re just not good enough.

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You can scare yourself into stuckness by assuming you have to make radical life changes in order to make progress. You don’t. Real change is practically invisible as it’s happening. No trumpets sound. A marching band will not play at your door. Meaningful progress doesn’t feel particularly exciting. Most days, it feels like work. You show up, grind it out (sometimes joyfully, sometimes not), and repeat. So keep your eye on the prize: Take small steps daily and steer clear of big drama.

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You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.

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“Pfft! Forget all that shit. Go for what you want.”

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As long as there is creativity, there will be criticism of it.

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There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium, and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.