Do you know the centenary concept of “sisu”? Understand why this makes a difference for Finns
“Sisu” is a concept and way of life woven into Finnish culture for over 500 years. There is no direct translation, but it is all about determination. It’s about having the courage to carry on in the face of nearly impossible adversity and adversity.
For six consecutive years, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world. And “sisu” plays a significant role in well-being and the ability to maintain a positive and resilient mindset.
Finnish psychologist E. Elisabet Lahti, researcher at “sisu” and author of the book “Gentle Power: A Revolution in How We Think, Lead and Succeed Using the Gentle Art of Sisu”. and We Are Successful Using the Gentle Art of Sisu”) brings three tips for those who want to do like the Finns and their art of “sisu”:
1. Find a purpose beyond yourself
According to research by psychologist Angela Duckworth, we can handle so much more when we work towards something that contributes to the world beyond ourselves.
“To get first-hand data on sisu for my doctoral studies, I completed a 1,500-mile running expedition across New Zealand. I dedicated my run to raising awareness of family violence. to give up, get back to that greater purpose has helped me move forward,” says Elisabet.
“When you face a new challenge or need the strength to keep going, find a higher purpose to connect with. It could be your family or friends, someone who inspires you, or a cause you care about.”
2. Increase resilience through training
Before the competition, Elisabet trained almost every day for two years.
“I wore my running shoes even when I didn’t want to. I always showed up, come rain or shine. Practice and preparation make it easier to tap into our inner bosom. Studies show our bodies have hidden reserves which we naturally draw on when we need it most, the more we challenge ourselves, the more we acquire habits that strengthen our resilience,” he recalls.
“Focusing on my breathing to calm my nervous system was the strategy that improved my running. Over time, I went from being a beginner to running 10 to 15 miles a day.”
3. Be kind to yourself and connect with nature
“I used to think that to be successful I had to be hard on myself. But there’s a limit to how far you can go if you can’t balance determination with compassion. I was once injured during my training stint. I was running 30 miles a day for 12 consecutive days. I had to ask myself if I should give up or push myself further,” he recalls.
“But I settled on a third option: I let my body heal. Even if I slowed down, I could still reach my 1,500-mile goal by incorporating cycling into my journey. I spent time enjoying the beauty of the scenery around me during the my expedition” , concludes Elisabetta.
In Finland, walking and nature trails are an essential part of the culture. This helps you find an inner calm and a sense of happiness that sustains you through difficult times.
Source: CNBC Do it
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
