Sisu: Inner strength

There is a Finnish word which succinctly captures a trait that individuals and organisations need to consciously cultivate. The word 'sisu' - literally meaning 'inner' or 'inside' but has come to mean 'guts', signifying extreme perseverance in the face of adversity. Thus, sisu would help you overcome vicissitudes. It is applicable in all aspects of our lives - be it human relationships, professional challenges, or even mundane activities like our daily exercise routine. It can be learnt by ensuring we lay out goals for ourselves, chart a path to achieve them, take the inevitable ups and downs on our chin, and adopt an attitude of acceptance and resilience.

Gita, with its emphasis on duty, says, 'One should raise oneself by one's Self alone; let not one lower oneself; for the Self alone is the friend of oneself, and the Self alone is the enemy of oneself.' This verse, in effect, is a call for mental discipline. Sisu helps draw out reserves of energy that you never knew you have.

Failure plays an important role in developing perseverance. It strengthens determination. Sisu, however, also has its pitfalls. It makes it difficult to ask for help, which can morph into stubbornness that hurts and burns you out. So, do learn to recognise when the odds seem high and seek assistance. It will only help you to achieve your goal faster. And while doing so, never give up your perseverance. As Finns say, Sisu will get you through even granite.