This "Northern Light" to happiness has shaped Finnish nationality over the centuries. Learn about it here!

Monday: MicroBusiness and Marketing Marvels Happy Monday, everyone! How are you? I hope you’re all having a great day today. Let’s kickstart this week as we continue on with my Summer Happiness Challenge series. For 10 Mondays, we’ll talk about finding and achieving happiness through understanding various cultural traditions across the globe. Today, I’ll share my insights and learnings about the Finnish approach to happiness. Keep reading below to discover this country’s view on happiness through harnessing inner strength and perseverance. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

This "Northern Light" to happiness has shaped Finnish nationality over the centuries. Learn about it here! What first comes to your mind when you hear “Finland”? A country known for its stunning natural beauty? Pristine lakes? Mesmerizing Northern Lights? Beyond these picturesque landscapes, Finland harbors a profound cultural treasure that offers a unique path to happiness. This treasure is NOT a physical artifact but a deeply ingrained philosophy, a way of life that empowers individuals to navigate the toughest challenges with grace and resolve. It’s this extraordinary blend of courage, resilience, and unyielding determination that has shaped the Finnish spirit and continues to inspire people worldwide. What’s this secret to enduring happiness and strength? The answer lies in a single yet powerful four-letter word: “Sisu”! “Sisu”: The Finnish Way to Happiness by Harnessing Inner Strength and Perseverance At its core, “Sisu” represents an almost mystical form of courage and determination. It is the ability to maintain extraordinary resolve and continue to act with integrity and grit in the face of extreme adversity. While other cultures may have words for perseverance or resilience, “Sisu” goes deeper, encapsulating the essence of a stoic resolve that is distinctly Finnish. The roots of “Sisu” run deep in Finnish history and folklore. From the relentless spirit of the Finnish people during the harsh winters to their indomitable resistance in the face of invasions, “Sisu” has been a guiding force. Basically, “Sisu” is more than just a concept; it is also a way of life that has shaped the Finnish national character over centuries. Today, “Sisu” manifests in various aspects of daily life in Finland. Think of the determination of a student preparing for a challenging exam… … the perseverance of an entrepreneur navigating a difficult business climate… … and the endurance of a marathon runner pushing through pain. In all these scenarios, “Sisu” is the quiet, unwavering resolve that helps individuals overcome obstacles. Such a resolve enables them to achieve their goals, no matter how daunting their journey may seem. Here’s what’s even more interesting… While “Sisu” is often associated with endurance and overcoming hardships, it also plays a crucial role in the Finnish approach to happiness. In fact, Finland consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world, and “Sisu” is a significant contributing factor! Here’s how: Empowerment through Adversity: “Sisu” empowers individuals to face challenges head-on, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. This empowerment leads to a more profound sense of satisfaction and happiness. Resilience and Mental Well-being: The resilience ingrained in “Sisu” helps individuals manage stress and bounce back from setbacks more effectively. This resilience is crucial for maintaining mental well-being and a positive outlook in life. Community and Support: “Sisu” is not just an individual trait but also a communal one. Finnish society values mutual support and collective resilience, creating a strong sense of community and belonging. This social cohesion is a vital element of the Finnish approach to happiness. Now… While “Sisu” is deeply embedded in Finnish culture, it is a quality that can be cultivated and embraced by anyone, regardless of their background. Take for example my case: Even though I’m not from Finland, I personally apply the concept of “Sisu” in both my personal and professional life, along with the other cultural philosophies I discuss in this series, because I’ve seen their positive impact on my life and the lives of those around me. That’s why I also highly encourage you to join my Summer Happiness Challenge and embody the concepts I share with you here from different parts of the globe! Here are a few ways to harness the power of “Sisu”: Embrace challenges… View challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. After all, embracing difficulties with a positive mindset helps build resilience. Set clear goals… Having a clear sense of purpose and setting achievable goals can provide direction and motivation, helping you stay focused and determined. Build a support network… Surround yourself with supportive and like-minded individuals who can offer encouragement and help you stay resilient during tough times. Practice self-compassion… Understand that resilience also involves self-care. Treat yourself with kindness and give yourself the grace to recover and recharge. Stay persistent… Remember that “Sisu” is about persistent action. Keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough, and trust in your inner strength to see you through. — Based on everything we’ve discussed in this article, it is clear that “Sisu” is a testament to the Finnish spirit, embodying a profound inner strength and unyielding perseverance that can inspire us all. … and by embracing “Sisu,” you’ll learn to navigate life’s challenges with courage, build resilience, and ultimately find a deeper, more enduring form of happiness. So, whether you’re facing a personal setback or striving for a long-term goal, apply the Finnish approach to “Sisu”! This concept offers a timeless lesson in the power of inner strength and perseverance. Next week, join me again as we move to the tropical island of Hawaii! There, let’s unleash the spirit of happiness through “Aloha”! EXCITING NEWS AHEAD The world of work has shifted, and there’s no going back. The barriers to entry have never been lower for talented professionals to work independently, and today’s massive external workforce is hardly a pandemic-produced fad. Business owners can only survive in the new work landscape by partnering with this deep talent pool. With decades of experience in both small-business entrepreneurship and executive management at PwC, I truly believe that the future of work is independent. With that, I’m happy to share with you that my book, co-authored with Walter Scott Lamb, is now available for pre-order on Amazon! Free Birds Revolution: The Future of Work & The Independent Mind This is an essential read for both independent professionals and corporate executives. Here, we provide educational and practical guides to unpack the ever-growing workforce and offer you crucial ways to become a client of choice. Click on the link above to pre-order your copy. Let this book help you future-proof your career and organization in the new world of work. Hope you’ve found this week’s topic interesting and helpful.     Stay tuned for next Monday’s Marketing Marvels!