Setting Big Goals – Finland and the Power of Sisu
One of my all-time favorite quotes is from U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s famous speech about going to the moon. He said, "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone."
For me, that quote hits deep. I’ve always been a person who sets big goals—goals that push me to the limit, goals that require pure sisu (grit and determination). While I'm not literally heading to the moon, to me, it's not the moon itself that matters but the idea behind it. A goal so big it surprises people when you say it out loud—a goal that's difficult, a real challenge. That’s where the magic happens.
This is, in many ways, how I ended up living in Finland. After my first trip to Finland in November and December 2023, I realized something... I wasn’t just visiting a country; I was coming home. It was like everything clicked into place. Finland resonated with me on a spiritual level. It wasn’t the typical tourist experience, but more like a return to a place I was always meant to be.
Suddenly, the things that people thought were a bit quirky about me were just normal here. I don’t care for small talk; I don’t find silence in conversation awkward; I value personal space; I love nature, solitude, and just being. In Finland, these aren’t quirks—they’re just part of the fabric of everyday life. It felt like I fit in perfectly.
Every December and January, I sit down to set goals for the new year. I remember last Christmas vividly—my Finland trip was still fresh in my mind. It was then that I wrote a simple note on my iPhone: "In 2024, I will move to Finland." That was my goal. Writing a goal down is half the battle, I believe, and from that moment, everything changed. Just like JFK’s declaration to go to the moon, I didn’t know how I would do it at first, but I knew it was possible.
I started learning, researching EU residency and everything I needed to know to make this dream a reality. Over Christmas, the longer I was away from Finland, the more I realized how much I needed to return. It wasn’t long before I found myself planning my next trip, catching Ilves games, and exploring Tampere again. That second trip was when everything clicked, and before I knew it, I was a resident.
Big goals like moving to another country are never easy—but that’s the point. The value is in the challenge. Like JFK said, "we do things not because they are easy, but because they are hard." It’s not about doing hard things for the sake of it; it’s about how those challenges shape you. As Kennedy put it, "that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills." That’s why I take on challenges—because they force me to grow, to become better, to use all my energy and creativity to make things happen.
Setting big goals is about knowing that every challenge you accept is an opportunity to improve. It’s not about showing off or proving something to others—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. That’s what I’m about, and that’s why I moved to Finland. It was my moonshot, and I’m proud of it.
5 Things That Make Achieving Big Goals Possible
When it comes to achieving big goals, I’ve found a few key strategies that help make the impossible seem within reach. These are not just motivational concepts—they're practical actions that have guided me through my journey, from moving to Finland to other major life decisions. Here are five things that have made a big difference for me:
The Word "Impossible" Does Not Exist
To me, nothing is impossible. When we think about what is or isn't possible, it often reflects our internal willingness rather than reality. For example, could I be a heart surgeon? It’s easy to say no—it’s impossible because I lack the training. But if I truly wanted it, I could learn, though it would take time and money. “Impossible” is often just a barrier we place on ourselves when we don't want to invest the necessary effort, time, or resources. Anything is possible with the right mindset and drive.
Write Your Goal Down
This is crucial. Whether it’s typing it into your iPhone or writing a formal document, putting your goal in writing makes it real. The act of committing it to paper (or digital notes) convinces your mind it’s achievable. In many ways, writing down a goal is the first tangible step to making it happen.
Embrace the Journey
Sometimes, you'll achieve your goals faster than expected, while other times, setbacks and changes will occur. Achieving big goals is not a straight path—it’s more like a 1990s road trip without GPS, relying on printed directions and general knowledge. Like an unfamiliar road, you never know what’s around the next bend, so embrace the unknown. The journey is part of the process.
Be Precise and Tactical
One of my best strategies for achieving goals is approaching them with precision, like a military operation. While personal goals differ from military missions, the fundamental idea is the same: there's a big objective, and you need a clear plan. Break it down into phases, consider timing, resources, risks, and backup options. With detailed planning, you’ll be ready to adapt and move forward logically, even when obstacles arise.
Luck Doesn’t Exist — It’s Preparedness Meeting Opportunity
I don’t believe in luck in the traditional sense. Instead, I see it as a combination of opportunity and preparedness. The world is full of opportunities, but if you're not ready to seize them, they’ll pass you by. When you stay prepared, you can react quickly and open more doors than you ever thought possible. As Seneca once said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” The more prepared you are, the more "lucky" you'll seem.
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