Are you a coach, parent or leader? Do you believe that we have become addicted to short-term gratification – particularly the younger generation? That we lack the determination to push through difficult times and respect those that show resilience in the face of significant life challenges?
If so, you need to understand, embrace and celebrate sisu.
Sisu is a Finnish cultural concept that represents…
… extraordinary determination, courage and resoluteness in the face of adversity. An action mindset which enables individuals to reach beyond their present limitations, take action against all odds and transform barriers into frontiers. sisu is associated with integrity, honesty and doing the right thing even when there is no immediate reward.
Here is a fantastic Ted Talk on sisu by Emilia Lahti, who is considered the leading authority on the subject. SISU
There are some great examples of sisu to reflect upon…
Hall-of-Fame Rower, Silken LaumannIn May 1992, just 10 weeks before the Olympic Games, Silken Laumann was injured in a brutal rowing accident that left her right leg shattered and useless. Reigning world champion in single sculls rowing, Silken was told by doctors she might never row again. Twenty-seven days, five operations, and countless hours of grueling rehabilitation later, Silken was back in her shell, ready to pursue her Olympic dream. When the starter’s pistol rang out on August 2, 1992, Silken made the greatest comeback in Canadian sports history, winning the bronze medal for Canada, and capturing the hearts of a nation.
British Climber, Joe SimpsonIn the book/film “Touching the Void”, Joe Simpson’s story of sisu is brilliantly told. Following a climbing accident he was left for dead but crawled out of a crevasse and into base camp days later. He endured unimaginable pain as he dragged his broken (literally) body down a mountain, over the course of several days, just before his colleagues packed up camp.
Nick Bollettieri’s Unique Talent ID MethodI was fortunate to hear tennis coaching guru, Nick Bollettieri, speak at IMG years ago. During the talk, he was asked how he identified championship talent among his young players. His answer surprised us all. To test character, he would place 20 players on a few courts with partially broken racquets and worn-out balls. All that the academy players were told was that the task was to play as long as they could. Secretly, he filmed the session. As far as the players were concerned no one was watching them. He believed that the last person left on the courts working on their game with a broken racquet and inadequate balls was most likely to be a champion one day. They were the ones that did not let the “poor” conditions deter their opportunity to develop in that moment.
How can we develop sisu?
Endurance sport provides a perfect environment to develop our sisu. Lahti (above) is challenging her sisu by running 1500 miles in 50 days from the top to the bottom of New Zealand. http://www.emilialahti.com/#!sisu-not-silence/p6l0b . Now, young folks can’t take this on, but running, swimming and other sports can provide a challenge to dig deep.
Role-modeling allows young people to identify those that push themselves and to see how they are rewarded. The examples should come from sport, business, academics…. The more disciplines, the better!!
Don’t make things easy. Follow Bollettieri’s lead and make the training/study/practice environment less than perfect. Find out who pushes through and doesn’t give up. Then, share your observations. It is important that those that struggle to push through are aware and given a chance to challenge themselves again.
Finally, celebrate international sisu day on February 28th, 2016. SISU Day
(Blogger’s note – Wuotila is indeed a Finnish name….)
