Rethinking Failure – Lessons from Finland’s National Failure Day

On 13th October, Finland celebrates National Failure Day , a refreshing and bold reminder that mistakes are not setbacks, but opportunities for growth. While it may sound unusual to celebrate failure, the concept highlights an important truth: progress rarely happens without risk, experimentation, and the occasional stumble. 

Yet, many of us remain deeply uncomfortable with failure. In professional settings especially, it is often seen as a sign of weakness or poor judgement. This fear can discourage innovation, prevent people from taking calculated risks, and ultimately limit both personal and organisational growth. 

Why do we fear failure? 

At its core, the fear of failure is linked to self-perception and the way others might view us. Many professionals worry that mistakes will damage credibility, reputations, or career prospects. Culturally, success is celebrated loudly, while failure is often hidden in the shadows. This imbalance reinforces the idea that failing is unacceptable. 

Turning failure into a positive 

In reality, failure is one of the most valuable teachers we have. By reflecting on what didn’t work, identifying gaps, and adapting, we build resilience and improve decision-making. When organisations foster an environment where people feel safe to share missteps and learn from them, they create the conditions for real innovation. 

The concept of “fail fast” 

The phrase fail fast is often associated with the technology sector, but it has wide application across industries. The idea is simple: rather than spending months (or years) perfecting a plan or product only to discover it doesn’t work, test early, gather feedback, and adjust quickly. 

In practice, failing fast means: 

• Experimenting in small steps to reduce risk. 

• Gathering insights early to inform smarter decisions. 

• Encouraging openness so lessons are shared, not buried. 

It’s not about being careless; it’s about learning rapidly and moving forward with greater clarity. 

A cultural shift worth embracing