Introduction
SISU is a unique Finnish concept that roughly translates to strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity. It’s about pushing through when the odds are stacked against you. There is no direct English translation, but it’s said to have a mystical and almost magical meaning.
The Power of SISU
In 2004, Jorma Ollila, CEO of Nokia, described his company’s “guts” by using the word SISU. He referred to it as endurance and the ability to overcome all obstacles. This SISU trait is essential to survive in challenging climates, whether it’s the bleak and bitter Nordic winters or the competitive, erratic wireless-phone market.
How to Embrace SISU
Here are some tactics to embrace the concept of SISU:
- 1. Refuse to let the circumstances overwhelm you:
- This can be difficult at first when change is happening, but when we manage to take back control over our mind, we can better approach the situation.
- 2. Commit to Action:
- When the outcome of our decisions and actions are uncertain, we still have to act. It builds courage and allows us to confront challenges with confidence.
- 3. Practice Emotional Resiliency Every Day:
- We are confronted with small setbacks on a daily basis. How we react to these small setbacks trains our minds. Practicing emotional resiliency whenever we experience a misfortune reinforces our determination and tenacity.
- 4. Anticipate Problems:
- Anticipating difficulties and disadvantages provides an opportunity to prepare, but with confidence in our ability to overcome them.
Keep in Mind
Adopting a SISU mindset does not mean ignoring our weaknesses or being cocky when faced with insurmountable odds. Instead, a SISU mindset calls for becoming aware of the circumstances and taking determined action toward the desired outcome. SISU is the acceptance that things are not working in our favour, but a commitment to press forward in spite of that fact.
Quick Activity
This activity will reveal your current temperament towards adversity.
- Write down how you normally react to unanticipated problems.
- Reflect on these responses and determine how you would like to respond to setbacks.
- When we determine how we want to handle setbacks, we will start to internalize it and our behaviours will naturally start to align with our mindset.
Remember, as an athlete, your mental performance is just as important as your physical performance. Keep practicing these techniques and strive to maintain an unbreakable mindset!