sisu
a uniquely Finnish quality; the word used to typify the Finnish spirit; a concept that is at the heart of how all Finns view themselves; a certain feature or value considered by Finns to be typically Finnish - endurance, resilience, tenacity, determination, perseverance - an inner reserve of diligence, capacity, the ability to face head-on and always overcome - craziness: the recklessness that inspires a person to take on something in the face of incredible odds - bravery, empowerment, inner strength
Gritting your teeth, continuing to fight against an overwhelming enemy, clearing a forest with your bare hands, continuing on to win a race even after falling. Sisu means that you finish what you start, you don’t quit in the middle of a job, and you don’t whine. "It doesn’t take sisu to go to the North Pole; it takes sisu to stand at the door when the bear is on the other side."
By Martha's_Cellmate