Hi there! I’d like to share the journey we’ve gone through over the past two months with the “Fuckup Day” project. I’ve outlined the key phases of the project, as well as the challenges we’ve had to face:
Phase #1: Total Ignorance
When we launched the first “Evening of Mistakes,” we were completely ignored. People didn’t really care that we were doing it for them or what value they could get from it. This is a tough stage, where 80% of people usually give up.
Phase #2: People Laugh at You
We gathered 65 people at our first event. I saw mocking comments like: “Oh, what is this, a kindergarten?” or “Pfft, I could’ve done it better.” It’s especially disheartening to hear things like that when things still aren’t perfect. The only things that help you push through this stage are strong self-esteem and good people around you.
Phase #3: Struggle
At this stage, another 10–15% of people drop off. Only 5% make it to the next level.
After the second Fuckup Day, some crazy situations started to happen. I had to block five people. Some people in my circle started acting out. I won’t lie—it stung a little. But on the other hand, I’m glad those people showed their true colors early on.
Someone offered to become a partner for Fuckup Day in another city, and when I declined… I got some pretty unpleasant comments in return. Some said, “Well, it’s not like I really wanted to work with you anyway.” Others started sabotaging us or twisting facts, inventing fake agreements and spreading misinformation. A spooky stage that many people have to face on the road to their goal.
Phase #4: Victory
Only about 1–5% of people make it to this phase.
I wouldn’t say we’ve achieved full victory yet, but we’ve definitely moved much closer to our goal. There’s still a lot to improve—both internally and in the event itself.
“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
