S For Sisu, The Finnish Way

History is replete with examples of people who failed many times over but never gave up. You will be surprised to know that some of the most well-known personalities, winners of Nobel Prize and achievers in their field, have all had to fail–not once, but over and over again. But what made them successful in the end? Their grit, bravery, resilience, and a never-give-up attitude. If this has to be explained in a single word, then the Finnish concept Sisu comes to our rescue.

It is a unique word, integral to understanding Finnish culture. Some even believe that it represents the national symbol of Finland, though it is often debated upon and contested. Sisu means determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. With Sisu on your side, you are not afraid to fall, because you know you will rise and try until you succeed. Walt Disney, to who we owe a large part of our childhood entertainment, was once mocked by his former editor as someone with no imagination and ideas. Unbelievable, isn’t it? But Disney paid no heed and went on to become an icon.

I think it’s important to have a good hard failure when you’re young… Because it makes you kind of aware of what can happen to you. Because of it I’ve never had any fear in my whole life when we’ve been near collapse and all of that. I’ve never been afraid.”

Walt Disney

Well, Sisu is not only related to failing. It also means working hard and sustaining the act of courage you started out with. It comes from the root word that means ‘inner’. Because of this, it is sometimes roughly translated as meaning ‘guts’. It implies having an action-oriented mindset, something that reflects in the way you act. While sisu is a Finnish way of life, it is something you and I can cultivate too. In the way we think and act, we can try to make ourselves more resilient and determined. This in turn will result in professional and personal success. One way of getting started could be to not worry about failures but do your duty nevertheless. What do you think? How will you cultivate and nurture sisu in your lives?

I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z. Join me as I explore the roller-coaster world of emotions the whole of this month. Here’s my previous post on emotions, starting with the letter R, in case you missed it.