The Okinawans gave the world ikigai and the Danes gave us hygge. The world is now discovering the extraordinary power of sisu – from Finland. Sisu is a capacity of extraordinary determination and resilience.
This is a book about how Finnish sisu – a capacity of extraordinary determination and resilience – has helped the Finns quietly achieve their potential and become a global success. This ‘mysterious force’ has played an important role in every area of their lives: in business, politics, relationships, education and in childhood.
Just do It
A group of Scandinavians sit around a campfire, drinking and being philosophical. The conversation turns to what, if they would ever write a book, would they teach the world about life?
The Dane said, “I would teach them how to be happy.”
The Norwegian said, “I would teach them how to fish and chop wood.”
The Swede said, “I would teach them how to live a ‘lagom’ balanced life.”
They all looked at the Finn, who said nothing.
They watched as he stared up at the night sky.
Finally, the Finn let out a long sigh and said, “I would tell them, just do it.”
"... researched a lot and he quotes so many sources, drops so many interesting facts, ideas, historical bits and pieces. That was awesome!!"
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat."
In its first 100 years of independence, Finland has gone from colonised Russian province to a world-leading Nordic nation, with the highest levels of education, equality, entrepreneurship, human capital, trust, ethics and the most freedoms and choices in the world. They have been ranked as the most literate, law-abiding and happiest people in the world.
This small country is frequently rated as having the best quality of life, being the best place to work or be a parent, the best place to grow up as a child, and recognised for enjoying the purest food and the cleanest environment.
Sisu translates is more than simply ‘grit’ and ‘resilience’. But what is it and where does it come from? This book explores the dynamics of how sisu is more than just mindfulness, it is about attitude and mindset. The Finns have combined the best of Western modernity with Eastern wisdom.
This book is about how Finns have embodied sisu and harnessed it to achieve their personal, political and community goals and ambitions. This is a book about Finland and reveals what lessons the Finnish way of life has to offer to discover your own purpose.
My first book was a book on English grammar and usage, published through Hachette. This was followed up by books combining history and etymology. So far I have published 11 books. History and great stories are the common denominators.
Explore all books
author, writer, illustrator, photographer, designer, founder,
podcaster, journalist, CMO, comms manager
I live by the motto: "Always be creating". Whether it is 10 words, 10 pages or 10 photos, I try to make sure I have added/created something new by sundown.
