In retirement you’ll likely encounter obstacles and adversity. Maybe it will be loneliness and how to fill your time? Maybe you’ll be concerned about finances or your health? We all face adversity, but we all also have an innate ability to overcome it. The author William James said that, “…we all seem to have a physical and mental ‘second wind’ to call upon.”

Do you want to improve your resilience? Then learn about and embrace the Finnish concept of sisu.

Sisu (pronounced SEE-sue) refers to a combination of resilience, determination, perseverance, and inner strength that is part of the Finnish culture. It’s viewed as a key to overcoming challenges and persevering through difficult times.

Sisu is not about being stubbornly reckless, but it is about having the courage to face adversity and take action in the face of uncertainty. It’s an attitude of never giving up, even when the outcome is uncertain. It can lead to growth and learning.

It’s about not giving up so easily, and becoming stronger because of that.

Finnish culture emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and individual responsibility. By adding in the American notion of ‘positive thinking,’ sisu is a mindset that enables us to persevere and overcome obstacles.