Superordinate Purpose and the Sisu In-Between Our Hearts

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May 4, 2023

Explore the concept of sisu and its relational power in the podcast, where strength is not just personal but flourishes in connection. Discover how love transforms sisu from mere achievement into shared inspiration. The discussion highlights Viktor Frankl's insights on finding meaning amidst adversity and Angela Duckworth's theories on grit and superordinate goals. Gain personal insights through powerful stories and journaling exercises designed to reflect on inspiration from others and recognize your greater purpose. Love emerges as the ultimate catalyst for unlocking potential.

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INSIGHT

Purpose Beyond Self Fuels Endurance

Sisu and inner strength often extend beyond individual achievement and are fueled by love and connection.
Viktor Frankl showed that purpose connected to others helps people endure extreme suffering.

ANECDOTE

Breathwork Return Motivated By Others

Emilia describes a breathwork retreat where a participant didn't want to return because she felt bliss and freedom.
The facilitator comforted her, saying, "Sometimes we come back not for ourselves, but for others."

INSIGHT

Superordinate Goals Drive Grit

Duckworth and James Gross link grit to having a dominant, superordinate life goal beyond the self.
Such goals power sustained perseverance during long-term challenges.

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Sisu is an interconnected matter. Rarely is your sisu only your sisu or my sisu solely my sisu. One of the main findings of the ultra run field work portion of my PhD on sisu is the idea of sisu that exists, and is born from, the space in-between you and I. This episode is about how we inspire strength and fortitude in each other. Furthermore, our own sisu can be inspired by the strength we see and witness in others and their actions, and this impact can extend to drawing strength from even those dear to us who are long gone. I speak of Viktor Frankl, present Angela Duckworth and James Gross´ concept of superordinate life-goals and propose some journaling work.

Enjoy, brave ones!

Show notes and links

Viktor Frankl: Man´ s Search for Meaning: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/1416524282

Bushkin H, van Niekerk R, Stroud L. Searching for Meaning in Chaos: Viktor Frankl's Story. Eur J Psychol. 2021 Aug 31;17(3):233-242. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35136443/

Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6290064_Grit_Perseverance_and_Passion_for_Long-Term_Goals (open access)

Duckworth, A., & Gross, J. J. (2014). Self-control and grit: Related but separable determinants of success. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(5), 319–325. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280771582_Self-Control_and_Grit_Related_but_Separable_Determinants_of_Success

and to hear more about sisu and gentle power and find the books as audio as well as hard cover and kindle: https://resources.soundstrue.com/podcast/emilia-elisabet-lahti-sisu-embodying-gentle-power/

Support the show

Sisu is a reserve of inner strength but it's also a way for us to know ourselves and impact the world in a positive way. Cultivating these reserves of inner strength starts with self-care and continues through self-inquiry. its power then extends to the world through our inspired acts of deep courage and compassion.

Thanks for tuning in! You can find out more about sisu, find links to research, and check out Gentle Power: A Revolution in How We Think, Lead, and Succeed Using the Finnish Art of Sisu at www.sisulab.com.

Sisu is great, love is greatness.