Sisu

Adversity happens for us…not to us.

If you do not embrace this principle your path to self-actualization will likely be a long, lonely journey fraught with unfathomable frustration. Life is about making the decision to thrive versus exist.

There will be challenges the size of mountains, however, the key to your wellness and performance lies solely within you.
It is simply a matter of attitude.

“Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is the one who endures that the final victory comes.”
~Buddha
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Enter Sisu.

Wellness is about possibilities…notpathology.
Resolve is necessary to create synergy among the dimensions of wellness.
You cannot impart resolve if you do not relish risk.

Sisu Begins Where Perseverance Ends

Sisu represents extraordinary determination in the face of adversity. It is a cultural construct of Finland. It is a stoic mindset and Finnish life philosophy available to all of us – only if we fetch it.

The premise of sisu represents an extra gear of inner strength to create opportunities for growth amid heightened mental and physical challenges. Sisu is the dynamic adaption to stress beyond one’s perceived capacity.

Sisu is more than perseverance and grit – it is a pathway to resilience. Sisu is a way of life to actively transform our challenges into opportunities. The alternative is to succumb to fear-based illusions about alleged limitations. Your choice.

The price of convenience reeks of complacency on a global scale. Sisu mandates an action mindset even if you do not know your limitations. Most humans crave comfort and familiarity and resist change. Adversity irreversibly changes us and propels our quest for authenticity.

Sisu is the determination to create opportunities in the whirlwind of affliction.
You must become comfortable with discomfort in the pursuit of your Noble Truth.

“Nothing matters but everything counts.”
~Buddha

Awareness and discipline represent the key tenets of mindfulness.
There is no room for the victim mentality.

We must remain mindful of the consequences of our decisions.
In order to do this we must accept responsibility for every thought, feeling, action, and result in our lives.

We live embedded within systems and our actions carry significance beyond our own daily grind. Cultivating sisu on an individual level has the potential to impact and empower others.

How we behave and what we hold in reverence becomes part of the broader cultural narrative. Mindfulness manifests synergy which cultivates self-actualization.

“Difficulties are just things to overcome, after all.”
~Ernest Shackleton

Risk is the catalyst for growth – which has no end point.
Optimum wellness and performance are the keys to your mansion of self-actualization.

The principles of Performance Medicine™ represent your path to unparalleled health, performance, and potential in life and sport – only when you have the courage to commit to Sisu.

It is time to become a “Warrior from the Heart.” I challenge you to assess your level of commitment – your sisu – to lasting lifestyle changes because your life may depend on it. Transformation is not for the faint of heart.

The Sisu Movement was pioneered by Finnish researcher, speaker, social activist, and doctoral candidate, Emilia Lahti.

Her life mission is to be a catalyst for human connection and compassion. She believes it is our collective responsibility to create socially warm, inviting spaces that empower people to reach their true potential. Lahti’s tireless effort stems from her riveting story of interpersonal violence.

Learn about the Sisu Movement and support her campaign  –> Emilia Lahti.