How does one obtain proficiency in the language that is cited as “difficult”? Although there are many ways to approach a “difficult” language, I have found in my 20 years studying Finnish that the number one quality one must have in order to obtain a working proficiency is: sisu. Sisu is, of course, a Finnish word described as “extraordinary determination, courage and resoluteness in the face of extreme adversity. An action mindset which enables individuals to reach beyond their present limitations, take action against all odds and transform barriers into frontiers. An integral element of Finnish culture and also a universal capacity which we all share.” (SISUlab)

If you do not think that it takes at least a little sisu to learn Finnish as a second language, then you probably have not tried to learn it yet.