International Day for Failure

International Day for Failure is observed on October 13 every year. It’s a day that encourages people to accept, share, and learn from failure—seeing it not as shame but as a path to growth and greater success.

History of International Day for Failure

This observance began in Finland, with the first Day of Failure held by Finnish university students in 2010. The idea was to challenge the stigma around failing, especially in entrepreneurial or creative endeavors, and to foster openness about setbacks as part of the human experience. Over time, the concept spread beyond Finland, and now many people around the world mark October 13 as a time to reflect on failures and the lessons they bring.

Why is International Day for Failure important?

Failure is often feared, hidden, or devalued in cultures that prize success. This day reframes failure as a vital ingredient in innovation, resilience, and personal growth. It gives people permission to take risks, try new things, and speak openly about setbacks without shame. In doing so, it helps reduce the barriers that fear of failure erects in creative, scientific, business, or personal spheres.

By encouraging sharing of stories of failure—especially those that later led to success—the day builds connection and solidarity. It shows that many well‑known achievements are built on multiple earlier missteps, and that vulnerability around failure can inspire others to persist. On a collective level, it nudges communities, organizations, and societies to build cultures that tolerate experimentation, accept mistakes, and view failure as feedback.

Some of the key values behind the day are

• Recognizing that failure is a normal and human experience
• Using failure as feedback and opportunity for learning
• Encouraging openness and destigmatization of setbacks
• Inspiring others by showing how failures can transform into success
• Building resilience and a growth mindset

How to Observe International Day for Failure

One meaningful approach is to share a personal failure story—publicly or privately—and reflect on what you gained, what you’d do differently, or how it shaped your path. Writing it down or talking about it helps transform failure from a burden into a lesson. You could host a “failure stories” gathering among friends, colleagues, or in your community, where people openly discuss mistakes and lessons learned.

You might also do something you’ve been hesitant to try—start a project, pitch an idea, make art, or take a risk—knowing it’s okay even if you fail. Invite feedback and embrace the learning process. On social media, you can post about failure with hashtags like #DayForFailure or #InternationalDayForFailure, encouraging others to share their stories and normalizing the conversation.

Here are some ideas you could try

• Write or tell a story of a failure and what you learned
• Attempt something new even if it might fail
• Organize a “failure sharing” session with friends or coworkers
• Post about a past failure and how it influenced you
• Reflect on your failures with curiosity rather than judgment

International Day for Failure Dates Table