‘SISU’:FINNISH ART OF LIFE

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One of the first things any article about sisu will tell you is that this Finnish word is untranslatable. The opening paragraph of a full-spread piece in the New York Times January of 1940, headline read, “Sisu: A word that explains Finland.”

It comes into play when you tackle challenges such as fighting a war in the cold of winter, which is exactly what Finland was doing when the Times published its article, but it can also help you confront more common obstacles. The word originates from ‘sisus’, which literally means ‘guts’ or ‘the intestines’ in Finnish.

So how do you write about a country when its description rests upon an untranslatable word? It’s amazingly complicated, and yet also deceptively simple: Writers resort to explaining what sisu means, and in the process they reveal the inner workings of the people and society of Finland – what you might even call the soul of the country.  Joanna Nylund takes on the subject in her book Sisu: The Finnish Art of Courage (2018, UK: Gaia; USA: Running Press).

The book includes, at regular intervals, tips for how to incorporate a sisu-like attitude into your own life:

“Top tips to help you recharge:

1. Truly disconnect,

 2. Embrace the silence,

 3. Schedule alone time.”

Or how about: “Top tips for getting back to nature:

1.    Think low-key

2.    Think know-how,

3.     Think preparation.”

In Sisu: The Finnish Art of Courage, Nylund includes interviews with Finns who personify the idea, such as Arctic and Antarctic explorer Patrick Degerman and social activist and sisu researcher Emilia Lahti. Nor does the author forget to mention other examples of sisu, among them Nobel Peace Prize laureate Martti Ahtisaari, known for his work in resolving international conflicts, and long-distance runner Paavo Nurmi, who set records and won Olympic medals in the 1920s.

Etymologically, “sisu” comes from a Finnish root word that implies “inner” or “inside.” This is one reason it is sometimes translated as “guts” or “inner strength.” It is silent relentlessness. It is a way of living life by displaying perseverance even when you have reached the end of your mental and physical capacities. Sisu is not momentary courage, but the ability to sustain that courage.

Action-oriented mindset

Nylund’s introduction informs us that, linguistically speaking, the concept of sisu goes back 500 years or more. It  refers to “stoic determination, hardiness, courage, willpower, tenacity,perseverance and resilience and beyond,a second wind of mental toughness.” It’s “an action-oriented mindset.” You don’t brag about having sisu; you just “let your actions do the talking.”

Emilia Lahti, a PhD candidate at Aalto University in Helsinki and former student of Angela Duckworth at University of Pennsylvania, studies the concept of Sisu and how it applies to our lives. According to Lahti, “Sisu is the concept of taking action in the face of significant adversity or challenge. It is not so much about achievement as it is about facing your challenges with valor and determination.” She goes on to say, “Sisu provides the final empowering push, when we would otherwise hesitate to act.”

Joshua Waitzkin, a martial arts competitor and champion chess player, says, “At a high level of competition, success often hinges on who determines the field and tone of battle.” It is your mental toughness—your Sisu—that determines the tone of battle.

James Clear ,the author(jamesclear.com)writes that:

‘’Most people let their battles define them. They see failure as an indication of who they are. Mentally tough people let their perseverance define them. They see failure as an event. Failure is something that happens to a person, not who a person is. ‘’

James Clear further writes that ‘’We will all face moments when our physical and mental resources feel tapped out. There will always be times when we are hammered with failure after failure and are called to find a fire within. And perhaps even more frequently, there will be many moments when we want to achieve something, but it feels as if we face incredibly long odds. In those moments, you have to call on your Sisu.

·        When you start a business even though you have nobody to look to for guidance. Sisu.

·        When you are two miles from finishing your race, and it feels as if you can't make it another step. Sisu.

·        When you are running on fumes and bleary-eyed from caring for your young children, but still need to find the strength to nail your presentation at work. Sisu.

·        When you step under the bar and prepare to squat a weight that you have never tried before. Sisu.

·        When you're in the middle of a season slump that never seems to end. Sisu.

·        When you feel as if you have tried everything you can to achieve your goal, and you still haven't made it. Sisu.’’

If you’d like to emulate the Finnish love of nature, study the famous Finnish education system, admire the Finnish ability to make the most of extreme weather conditions (and have fun while you’re at it), or find Finnish inspiration for dealing with a large or small life crisis – or if you’re just Finn-curious – sisu plays a role.

It contributes to physical and mental wellbeing and helps you communicate with your partner, family members and colleagues. You can raise your kids to have sisu. You can use it as the basis for leading an active, healthy life, you can leverage it to progress toward your goals, and it might even help you find happiness.

The World Happiness Report is an annual publication of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. In July 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 65/309 Happiness: Towards a Holistic Definition of Development inviting member countries to measure the happiness of their people and to use the data to help guide public policy.

As of March 2020, Finland was ranked the happiest country in the world three times in a row.

I wondered why?

Now I know.