Passion Struck with John R. Miles - What Is SISU? Harnessing the Finnish Art of Courage For Life w/John R. Miles EP 362

Starting point is 00:00:00 Coming up next on Passion Struck, imagine CISU as your secret weapon hidden deep within you. It's not just about survival in a tough situation, but the power that lets you tackle enormous challenges head on. Welcome to Passion Struck. Hi, I'm your host, Jon Armyles, and on the show, we decipher the secrets, tips, and guidance of the world's most inspiring people and turn their wisdom into practical advice for you and those around you. Our mission is to help you unlock the power of intentionality so that you can become the best version of yourself. If you're new to the show, I offer advice and answer listener questions on Fridays. We have long form interviews the rest of the week with guest-ranging from astronauts to authors, CEOs, creators, innovators, scientists, military leaders, visionaries, and athletes. Now, let's go out there and become PassionStruck.

Starting point is 00:00:55 Hello everyone and welcome back to Momentum Friday, an episode 362 of PassionStruck. Consistently ranked by Apple is one of the top 5 health podcasts in the world, and thank you to each and every one of you who come back weekly to listen and learn how to live better, be better, and impact the world. If you're new to the show, thank you so much for being here, or you simply want to introduce this, or friend or family member, check out our episode Starter Packs, which are collections of our fans' favorite episodes that we organize in a convenient topic to give any new listener a great way to get acclimated. Everything we do here on the show, either good to spotify or passionstruck.com, slash starter packs to get started. In case she missed it, last week I had on amazing guests.

Starting point is 00:01:33 The first was Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, who's groundbreaking research, an evidence-based approach. Have revolutionized the way that we think about muscles and the impact that they have on our lives. In our interview, we discuss Dr. Lyon's brand new book Forever Strong, a new science-based strategy for aging well, which provides a blueprint for boosting your metabolism, building strength, and extending your life. The second interview was with Simone Stolzoff, author of the brand new book The Good Enough Job, instead of treating work as a calling or a dream. We discuss how we can redefine work as a calling or a dream, we discuss how we can

Starting point is 00:02:05 redefine work as a vital part of life, rather than our entire existence. Please check both of those episodes out, and if you liked either one of them or today's, we would so appreciate it if you gave us a 5 star rating and review. These go such a long way they really do in bringing more people into the passion-struck community. I also know we and our guests love to see comments from our listeners. Now, let's talk about today's momentum Friday episode. Ever heard of the word,

Starting point is 00:02:29 Tsisu, if you're shaking your head, don't worry. Most folks outside of Finland might be drawing a blank too. No, it's not a sushi roll or an exotic cocktail. It's something far more intriguing and transformative. Tsisu is a finished concept that runs deep within their culture, kind of like the heartbeat beneath the chest. Imagine it's a frigid winter night in the finished wilderness.

Starting point is 00:02:51 You're lost and alone, but something pushes you forward instead of surrendering to despair. That underlying spirit, that's Sisu. This isn't just about having guts or grit. It's courage and resilience on steroids. And guess what? It's not just about surviving frosty Nordic nights. It can help you transform your personal growth, personal relationships, and ultimately your success in life. Eager to learn more? Let's

Starting point is 00:03:16 take an icy plunge into the world of Seesu together. Thank you for choosing PassionStruct and choosing me. Be your hosting guide on your journey to creating an intentional life now. Let that journey begin. I have been so excited to release this episode today because I think Tsisu is a fundamental concept that has such an amazing parallel to everything that I talk about here on Passion Struct. Tsisu may be a term that's familiar to many people outside of Finland, but let me tell you its power is universal. This four-letter word deeply rooted in Finnish culture,

Starting point is 00:03:53 embodies determination, resilience, and unyielding courage in the face of adversity. Picture this, you're in an intense soccer game, down by two goals with mere minutes remaining. As pressure mounts that indomitable spirit that pushes you to fight back, to defy the odds, that's Sisu. It's not just about weathering the storm, but charging into it with the audacity of David facing Goliath. This is so much more than just a word. It's the Finnish DNA, a concept echoing with the New York Times' terms stress resilience.

Starting point is 00:04:26 Dive into the world of Sisu and discover a philosophy of strength and tenacity that's more impactful than a punch from Mike Tyson in his prime. The term Sisu isn't just a recent buzz word, it's legacy runs deep in Finland, bracing back centuries. Its significance was most notably on display during World War II, when the Finns, against daunting odds, fiercely resisted and invading Soviet Army. Prime Minister Rister Ridesh bold proclamation. We have only one goal, victory, epitomize this indomitable spirit. Fast forward to recent times, a little bit late from Finland-based Alhto University, brought the essence of Sisu back to global attention. But Lati didn't just theorize about Sisu, she embodied it,

Starting point is 00:05:10 embarking on a staggering 2400 kilometer, 50-day bike and running journey across New Zealand in 2018. She championed the cause of domestic violence victims, transforming the essence of Sisu from words to undeniable action. Now, he might be musing, so basically, fins are badass, and I'm not. Well, the answer to that is no. The beauty of Sisu is that it's not exclusive to fins. Sisu is within all of us waiting to be awakened.

Starting point is 00:05:39 Recall a challenging moment in your life, a looming deadline, or a tough decision. Overwhelmed, maybe, defeated, never. The resilient spirit that propelled you forward, that's Sisu. You may be thinking that there might be some English translation to Sisu, something like grit or perseverance, maybe. Nope, the beauty and frustration of Sisu lies in its untranslatability. Sure, words like grit and perseverance.

Starting point is 00:06:04 Touch on aspects of it, but fall short of capturing its essence completely. Often, Tintin Post describes it as, the concept of acting rationally in the face of adversity. It's a form of doggy determination that arises not from hope or passion, but from the unwavering commitment to overcome. And in Finland, Tsisu isn't just an intangible concept. It's part of their daily existence. Finn's value is so much that they have designed their entire

Starting point is 00:06:29 education system around nurturing this trait among youngsters. And let me tell you, when I say youngsters, we're talking about kids barely out of their diapers, learning how to cross country ski, as well as other sports. So you may be wondering how does Sisu create an action-oriented mindset? Sisu is about having courage in the face of adversity. It's not just running headfirst into trouble, but standing tall when things get tough. The power lies in its persistence aspect.

Starting point is 00:06:56 Giving up isn't part of the Sisu vocabulary. This resilient attitude translates directly into an action-oriented mindset, because you're not backing down. instead, you're getting shit done. This might sound intense, almost Spartan-like, but remember, resilience doesn't mean being hard-headed or stubborn for no reason. Instead, it involves adapting to circumstances while staying committed to our goals. The magic happens when this mindset starts permeating every aspect of your life from how you approach personal goals,

Starting point is 00:07:25 to dealing with challenging situations at work or in your relationships. So let's dive further into how CSU cultivates an action-oriented mindset. An action-oriented mindset doesn't just happen overnight. It's cultivated over time with consistent effort and intentional thinking. It's like muscle memory from working out at the gym repeatedly, until lifting weights becomes second nature. So too, is developing that action-first mentality through daily practice and patience. In essence, embracing Sisu leads us directly to cultivating such a mentality where we proactively

Starting point is 00:07:58 take charge of our lives rather than passively react to circumstances. It's like switching from being a chess piece on the board at the mercy of other players' moves to becoming the player who strategizes and masters the game. Zisu doesn't only inspire movement, it also breeds resilience, an essential quality in maintaining momentum in challenging times. Positive psychology explains how resilience helps us to bounce back from setbacks by reframing failures as opportunities for learning instead of obstacles. This shift in our outlook can have a powerful effect on other activities, rather than being immobilized by fear and failure. Sisu rooted in positive psychology

Starting point is 00:08:37 encourages us to persist despite the circumstances. Sisu is not just about taking action, it's about taking purposeful action. The real power behind Sisu lies in its ability to convert thoughts into actions. Let's say you've got this grand idea or goal. Start your own business, right? A book. You might even be thinking about climbing Mount Everest. It doesn't matter how ambitious it is.

Starting point is 00:09:00 This relentless pursuit to unyielding spirit that fuels continuous growth and breeds achievement, or are they promoting an active lifestyle. By connecting your actions with your values and ambitions, you are more likely to stay committed even when things get tough. So now that I've discussed how Tsisu helps cultivate an action-oriented mindset, let's go through the psychological perspective of Tsisu. Picture yourself in a frozen, finished forest, battling harsh winds and numbing cold. You're faced with an enormous tree that's blocking your path, but instead of turning back, you muster the strength to keep going.

Starting point is 00:09:34 This is Sisu. The psychological concept is not just about survival. It's the driving force behind mental toughness and resilience. If we were to dissect Sisu like one would do in a high school biology class, at its core you'd find resilience. A trait, psychologist recognize as so crucial to overcoming life obstacles. You know those people who bounce back from setbacks stronger than before? That's because they have a healthy dose of resilience. This isn't just some fluffy theory either.

Starting point is 00:10:05 Research has linked resilient individuals with better mental health and increased life satisfaction. Moving past mere survival when applied actively, Tsusu can help us thrive amidst challenges. It fuels our mental toughness, and if you're wondering what mental toughness looks like, imagine Rocky Balboa going another round after being pummeled again and again. It's the sheer will to keep pushing forward, no matter the circumstances. So if you're seeking a real tangible embodiment of Sisu, look no further than Isa Sarenand. This finished philosopher is not just an expert in the theory. He's living proof that Sisu can be heard from. He's living proof that Sisu can be heard from. He's living proof that Sisu. Look no further than Isa Sarenan. This finished philosopher

Starting point is 00:10:45 is not just an expert in the theory. He's living proof that Sisu can be harnessed. Born into a country where Sisu is woven into the cultural fabric, Isa has always had the sun-wielding determination embedded within him. But it wasn't until he faced some harsh realities that his inner Sisu ignited like never before. In response to life's challenges, instead of buckling under the pressure, Issa took them head on. He chose resilience over retreat, a decision that was guided by the principles of Sisu.

Starting point is 00:11:15 And Issa isn't one who allow ideas to stagnate on paper or dwell only in scholarly debates. He firmly believes in putting words into action. His dynamic lectures are peppered with real-life examples and tips that allow listeners to see how philosophical concepts translate into everyday situation. He says goal to inspire others towards positive change, whether it's developing more effective thinking patterns or embracing lifelong learning. And at the heart of all of this is trusty sidekick, Sisu. In Esa's worldview, or should we say universe, Sisu isn't merely a survival tool or an attitude that helps you grin and bear it when things get tough. It goes way beyond resilience and perseverance. Sisu says Esa is about transformative action. This relentless pursuit hasn't gone unnoticed either. Esa demonstrates this by taking

Starting point is 00:12:02 daunting challenges head on. For example, EsSA was one of the chief architects behind a nationwide initiative called Positive CV, which aimed to transform how young Finns perceive their potential in future. ESA's unique combination of philosophy and practicality, providing insights to all walks of life, has earned him a substantial following worldwide. students at the Alto University where he's a professor, the participants in public lectures. S's influence extends far beyond academic circles. His ability to inspire individuals and encourage them to embrace Tsusu as a lifestyle is nothing short of remarkable. So next I want to talk about how do we holistically use the power of Tsusu? I'm going to start by talking about how do we holistically use the power of Sisu? I'm going to start by talking about

Starting point is 00:12:46 how we can apply it to personal development. In life's game of dodgeball, problems are the balls that are thrown at us. Some, we duck. Others smack us right in the face. But what if we could use Sisu to catch those balls and throw them back? It's not about becoming invincible, but learning to rise each time we fall, because failures are stepping stones towards growth. Just like Batman needed his Batcave experiences, yep it was dark and full of bats. Embracing challenges helps us to develop grittier versions of ourselves. Let's examine four ways to utilize Tsusu in our personal lives.

Starting point is 00:13:20 The first is to shift our mindset and to see challenges as pathways. Embracing Sisu starts with a perspective shift. Consider Sep X as gateways, not barriers. Encounter to problem? Explore it. What's the lesson? Perhaps a hidden strength or weakness to address. Then there's grit and tenacity, which help you to stoke your inner fire. Sisu isn't just about enduring. It's about pushing through with unwavering determination, like marathon runners who push through the pain, because the finish line beckons apply this vigor to personal growth. It's also courage and action, where you defeat fear with audacity.

Starting point is 00:13:55 Tsisu is about courageous action. As Mark Manson often articulates in his book, Struse, the struggles that matter, identify a current fear, enduring your growth growth and boldly challenge it. And lastly, it's about integrity, the integrity to live authentic life. Stand firm in your beliefs. This might involve setting boundaries for making hard choices that resonate with your core values.

Starting point is 00:14:16 Renee Brown emphasizes the transformative power of vulnerability and authenticity and brace it. So now that we've gone through those four ways that you can apply CISU, your personal life, let's explore now how you can apply it to your career. Surely we all know someone who's unstoppable at work, not because they have superhuman powers, but because they tap into this thing

Starting point is 00:14:38 we've been talking about called CISU. What if I said that you could use your inner CISU for hell your career? Let's examine three ways to apply CISU in your career. The first step towards incorporating CISU into your career begins with resilience. The corporate landscape is fraught with hurdles. CISU helps transform setbacks into catalysts for growth. Remember, resilience turns adversity into an asset.

Starting point is 00:15:01 Building resilience isn't easy, but it's worth every effort because it turns adversity into an asset. Building resilience isn't easy, but it's worth every effort because it turns adversity into an advantage. The second step is to harness grit. Angela Duckworth thought-lighted the power of grit, but at its heart, grit shares its core with Sisu, a relentless drive for enduring goals. In your professional journey, integrate Sisu by fully committing to your dreams and facing challenges with unwavering resolve. It's not just about reaching success or fearing failure, but the deep rooted courage Sisu by fully committing to your dreams and facing challenges with unwavering resolve. It's not just about reaching success or fearing failure, but the deep rooted courage captured perfectly by Sisu that makes all the difference.

Starting point is 00:15:33 The third step towards embodying Sisu professionally involves choosing a career that aligns with your core values and using it as a vehicle to make meaningful contributions. More than just finding a job you love, Sisu emphasizes valuing the hard work and the sacrifices it entails. It's about cherishing both the destination and the journey. So now that we've talked about how do you apply Sisu in your personal life and in your career, let's now talk about how you can apply it in your relationships. Just as Stormy wins, test the strength of an oak tree. Our relationships also face trials at test their durability. Here's where Sisu steps into play. It can

Starting point is 00:16:09 help you build stronger bonds, foster understanding, and create lasting love. But how does one apply this elusive strength into their relationships? Here are some practical strategies. First is to navigate relationship storms by directly addressing challenges. No relationship is immune from challenges. They're inevitable, but with Tsisu by your side, navigating the stormy seas becomes less daunting. Tsisu empowers us to encounter problems head on instead of avoiding them, or hoping that they'll magically disappear.

Starting point is 00:16:40 This proactive approach often leads to healthier discussions and to more effective solutions. Second, it builds trust by upholding honesty. Incorporating Sisu into our relationships also means being brave enough to practice honesty and transparency consistently. Sure, telling her truth can be uncomfortable at times, but doing so builds trust, critical ingredient for any relationship. Third, it helps to maintain independence by cultivating connection. A common misconception is that strong relationships require individuals to lose

Starting point is 00:17:11 themselves in each other completely. In reality, maintaining individuality while nurturing connection creates a healthy balance. An area where Sisu shines brightly, embracing interdependence, foster's personal growth ultimately enriching the shared bonds between partners. And then lastly, it fosters emotional resilience. Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. Self-compassion, an essential aspect of C-Soo, encourages kindness towards oneself during difficult times instead of harsh self-criticism. This not only aids in emotional recovery, but also boost our ability to bounce back stronger than ever. Nurturing a relationship is challenging.

Starting point is 00:17:49 It requires persistent work to keep that spark alive. It demands consistent effort, something that hits the nail right on the head. So let's just touch briefly on Sisu's global relevance. The allure of Sisu, its universal resonance, it speaks to human tenacity. It's a beacon during challenging times. Sisu's essence is evident globally, from Olympian's determination to communities that are

Starting point is 00:18:11 battling crises, whether during Australia's wildfires, where Ukraine's response to Russia's invasion, the echoes of Sisu are evident. We have journeyed through the profound depths of Sisu. From its Finnish origins, through its transformative power and action-driven pursuits, but beyond its definition, what does Sisu truly signify? It represents an indomitable spirit, a resilience that doesn't just endure, but thrives even when the odds are insurmountable. He is a serenin and capsulated at best. It's not merely about surviving, but flourishing. Tsisu isn't about landscapes or adventures. It's the catalyst behind personal evolution. The wind beneath the winds of burgeoning careers and the heartbeat of enduring meaningful relationships.

Starting point is 00:18:55 Indeed, Tsisu isn't just a term, but a testament to human tenacity. Let's end today's episode with a reflection. Tsisu is more than just a word. It's a reservoir of strength, determination, and tenacity within each one of us. As you move forward, ask yourself, how will you channel your inner Sisu, the reshape, your life's narrative? I hope you all enjoyed the show, and I wanted to thank everyone who wrote in this week, and especially those who listened. Links to the transcript will be in the show notes.

Starting point is 00:19:23 Videos are on YouTube at both Jon Ar. Miles and PassionStruck clips. My new book, PassionStruck, is now available for pre-order, and you can find it at Barnes & Noble Amazon, or wherever you purchase your books. Links will also be in the show notes. Heverties or deals and discount codes are one convenient place at PassionStruck.com slash deals. Please consider supporting those who support the show. I'm at John R. Miles on all the social platforms, and I have two exciting announcements. I have two new newsletters that we have launched. Unlinked in, I have the work intentionally newsletter while go through profound examples and illustrations of how you can work intentionally, repel your career forward. And then you can also sign up at johnarmiles.com or passionstruck.com for my personal weekly newsletter,

Starting point is 00:20:06 which is all about how do you live intentionally? You're about to hear a preview of the passion struck podcast that I did with Kara Collier as a registered dietician nutritionist and the co-founder and VP of health at NutriSense. Here's expertise is reshaping the landscape of personalized health. In our discussion, we do a deep dive into continuous glucose monitoring systems. And how it can revolutionize your understanding of your body's responses. What I realized was two things. One is that the CGM is measuring your glucose continually. And the glucose you can essentially think of as the fuel for that metabolic engine. So it's kind of the main energy source for our metabolic system. So by being able to monitor what's happening based off of different ways you're eating,

Starting point is 00:20:49 different lifestyle habits, you could see a lot of information from one input. So kind of like the 80-20 rule, if I started to get people to just improve their glucose levels, they started to see all of those benefits start to have that ripple effect. So I realized the metric itself was really powerful as a root cause biometric. And then the second is that feedback loop, that power of real-time data coming at you, every decision you make, you're going to either get positive reinforcement or negative reinforcement was an amazing and still is an amazing behavior change tool. Remember that we rise by lifting others.

Starting point is 00:21:26 So share this show with those you love. And if you found today's episode on CISU useful, then share it with somebody who could use the advice that I gave you on today's show. In the meantime, be your best to apply what you hear on the show so that you can live what you listen. Now, go out there and become Ash and Strut.

Passion Struck with John R. Miles - What Is SISU? Harnessing the Finnish Art of Courage For Life w/John R. Miles EP 362

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