“Sisu,” a concept deeply rooted in Finnish culture for over 500 years, defies direct translation. It encompasses determination and fortitude, the ability to persevere in the face of adversity and overwhelming odds. Finland, consistently ranked as the happiest country in the world for six consecutive years, owes its well-being and positive mindset to the power of sisu.
As a psychology expert, my career revolves around teaching individuals how to incorporate sisu into their lives. Here are my top three pieces of advice:
1. Find a purpose beyond yourself: According to research by psychologist Angela Duckworth, we can endure more when working towards a cause that contributes to the world beyond our own selves. To study sisu firsthand, I embarked on a 1,500-mile running expedition across New Zealand, dedicated to raising awareness about family violence. Whenever I felt tired or close to giving up, connecting with this greater purpose empowered me to push forward. When facing challenges or needing strength, seek a purpose that resonates with you, be it your loved ones, an inspirational figure, or a meaningful cause.
2. Build resilience through training: Prior to my run, I trained relentlessly for two years. Rain or shine, I laced up my running shoes every day, tapping into the hidden reserves within our bodies that naturally emerge in times of need. Through consistent practice and preparation, we develop habits that strengthen our resilience. Personally, focusing on my breathing to calm my nervous system greatly enhanced my running ability, enabling me to go from a novice to running 10 to 15 miles daily.
3. Embrace self-compassion and nature: I used to believe that success required being hard on oneself, but I discovered the importance of balancing toughness with compassion. During my training, I experienced an injury after running 30 miles a day for 12 consecutive days. At a crossroads, I chose a third option: allowing my body to heal. Though I slowed down, incorporating cycling into my trek enabled me to reach my 1,500-mile goal. Freed from the pressure of a breakneck pace, I spent more time appreciating the beauty of the landscape around me. In Finland, walking and hiking in nature are integral to our culture, offering a source of inner calm and happiness during challenging times.
E. Elisabet Lahti, a Finnish psychology expert and pioneering sisu researcher, is the author of “Gentle Power: A Revolution in How We Think, Lead, and Succeed Using the Gentle Art of Sisu.” With master’s degrees in social psychology and positive psychology, she is deeply rooted in Finnish culture. Connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
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Note: This article was originally published on MakeIt.com
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