FAFO: A Growth Mindset Approach

Lately, "FAFO" (short for "F*** Around and Find Out") has been making its rounds as a phrase of warning—usually implying that reckless actions lead to negative consequences. But I see it differently. To me, FAFO isn’t just about cause and effect; it’s a way of life. It’s about exploration, questioning, and engaging with the world in a way that leads to greater understanding. It’s about embracing a growth mindset.

To FAFO is to be curious. It means testing boundaries, experimenting with ideas, and learning from both success and failure. It acknowledges that sometimes we will stumble, but every experience—good or bad—brings insight. Instead of seeing consequences as something to avoid, this perspective frames them as lessons, stepping stones toward a deeper understanding of ourselves and our reality.

The alternative is stagnation. If we never question, never try, never push past comfort zones, we never truly grow. FAFO encourages movement, action, and participation in the world rather than passive acceptance. It’s not just about recklessness; it’s about engaging with life on your own terms, knowing that every step forward (or sideways, or even backward) is part of the journey.

Some of the most important personal growth in my life has come from FAFO moments—times when I challenged assumptions, took risks, or simply refused to accept things as they were. Sometimes it worked out beautifully. Sometimes it didn’t. But in every case, I found out more about myself, the people around me, and the way the world works. And to me, that’s invaluable.

So, I’d like to reclaim FAFO as more than just a cautionary phrase. Let’s make it a mantra for curiosity, for pushing boundaries, for embracing the unknown. Because if we don’t f*** around, we’ll never truly find out.

Kirk Aug

Kirk is a writer, beekeeper and a fellow traveller on spaceship Earth. Follow Kirk on instagram @kirkaug