How many times have you heard (or said) the phrase “We’ll figure it out”? Maybe you’ve used it in a meeting when someone asked about a potential issue, or maybe it’s something you say to yourself when faced with a decision that feels overwhelming. It’s a common phrase, but it’s also one that can lead to serious problems down the road.
Here’s the hard truth: “We’ll figure it out” isn’t a plan. It’s a placeholder for uncertainty, and it leaves you vulnerable to failure, miscommunication, and unnecessary stress. Let’s break down why this phrase needs to be cut from your vocabulary—and what you should say instead.
1. It’s Not a Strategy
When you say, “We’ll figure it out,” what you’re really saying is, “I don’t know, and I don’t want to deal with it right now.” It’s a delay tactic, not a solution. Imagine you’re launching a business, and your partner asks how you’re going to market the product. If your response is “We’ll figure it out,” you’ve just put off a critical task that could make or break your launch. Instead of addressing the issue head-on, you’ve chosen to sidestep it. No great business or personal decision was ever built on the hope that things will “just work out.”
2. It Creates Uncertainty
In a team or relationship setting, “We’ll figure it out” breeds confusion. People need clarity, direction, and a plan. When you tell someone “We’ll figure it out,” you’re passing the buck. You’re leaving them guessing about how and when the issue will be addressed, or worse, who will actually be responsible for figuring it out. This leads to unmet expectations, frustration, and resentment. Clarity is key in any successful collaboration, and “We’ll figure it out” provides none of it.
3. It Encourages Procrastination
The phrase gives you permission to put off dealing with something important. If you’re saying “We’ll figure it out” today, chances are you’ll say it tomorrow, next week, and next month too. Meanwhile, the problem doesn’t go away. It just gets bigger, more complicated, and more stressful. By the time you finally have to deal with it, it’s become a crisis. You didn’t figure it out—you just ignored it.
4. It Signals a Lack of Confidence
Whether you realize it or not, “We’ll figure it out” communicates that you’re not confident in your ability to handle the situation. You’re essentially admitting that you don’t have a plan and hoping someone else will step in with the solution. While it’s okay not to have all the answers, it’s important to own that uncertainty and actively work toward finding a solution. Saying, “We’ll figure it out” sounds like you’re throwing up your hands rather than taking charge.
5. It Can Be Avoided with a Simple Reframe
Instead of “We’ll figure it out,” try phrases that take ownership of the problem and push toward action. Here are a few examples:
- “Let’s create a plan to address this.”
- “I don’t have the answer yet, but here’s how we’ll approach it.”
- “Here’s the first step we can take.”
These phrases communicate that you’re actively working on a solution, not just kicking the can down the road.
6. It Undermines Accountability
Accountability is key to getting things done. “We’ll figure it out” places the responsibility in a vague, nebulous space where no one is truly accountable. It’s the perfect way to ensure that nothing happens. Without clear steps and assigned responsibilities, there’s no ownership—and without ownership, problems don’t get solved. If you’re in a leadership role, your team is looking to you for direction. If you say “We’ll figure it out,” don’t be surprised when things don’t get done.
7. It’s a Missed Opportunity for Growth
When faced with a challenge, the process of creating a concrete plan, addressing the issue, and solving the problem is where growth happens. Every time you say “We’ll figure it out,” you’re robbing yourself of that growth opportunity. Instead of diving in, rolling up your sleeves, and tackling the problem, you’re letting the moment slip by. And those moments add up. The result? You never develop the skills you need to handle challenges with confidence.
The Bottom Line: Replace “We’ll Figure It Out” with Action
Next time you’re tempted to say “We’ll figure it out,” catch yourself. Take a moment and ask, “What can I do right now to start solving this?” It’s okay not to have all the answers, but it’s not okay to avoid taking action. Whether it’s a personal project, a business problem, or a relationship issue, the goal should always be to take meaningful steps toward a solution—not to hope one magically appears.
Because here’s the truth: you won’t just “figure it out.” You’ll make it happen by creating a plan and following through. That’s how you get results.