Life Lessons from Ted Lasso
A masterclass in humanity
Ted Lasso epitomizes optimism, kindness, and genuine human connection. I was immediately immersed in the first episode because I really wanted to see this positive, quirky human win at life. I also enjoyed all the characters' fun, funny nature, but that was simply a by-product of the show. Watching Jason Sudeikis's character portray a quirky-charming, compelling, and genuinely happy person was brilliant. I found each episode building momentum of positivity, empathy, kindness, and tons of humor. It seemed the world desired Ted to be our friend; we wanted him to win and share that win with him. It's content that fills our happiness, humanity, and "living an authentic life" cup.
Although the show wrapped up back in 2021, I still think of this show often and its prominent life lessons:
Perpetual Positivity with Relativity
We are told our whole lives to be optimistic, yet we are also subject to many negatives in life. Even in Ted's darkest moments, which help us know how real and human he is, his resilience to find the positive and optimism in his life is ultra-inspiring. This confidence is beyond money, people, jobs, things, etc. Ted believes everything will be okay. Our hearts hurt for Ted during his painful moments because we each have a relatable pain in some way. Our hearts rejoice in his happy moments because we know a relatable joy in some way. Through it all, Ted has unwavering positivity. His existence helps others be positive in big and small ways. #lesson – through our lives, through ups and downs, we can be positive and happy and know that things will be okay.
Empathy and Kindness
Ted sees the best in people, even if they do not see the best in themselves. He knows each person is fighting their own battles in life. It's an anomaly in this day and age to have such depth of empathy and kindness. Perhaps only in a fictional character is this possible. Yet, Ted's inspiration to see the best in people is an incredible lesson. #lesson – exude empathy and kindness to see the best in others and ourselves.
BELIEVE Teamwork
Ted founded his team's 'BELIEVE' movement, which no one initially embraced except coach Beard. Ultimately, the consistency of his 'BELIEVE' movement developed collaboration, trust, and respect with and in his people, which are the keys to any successful team. Ted knew this faith in each other, and the team, creates a powerful bond of success, despite not knowing how to coach the sport of soccer (aka "football"). #lesson – believe in something enough to endure those around you who need more time to believe. Faith is more powerful than hate, ridicule, or passivity.
Vulnerability and Authenticity
When Ted shared his feelings, admitted mistakes, and sought help when needed, he created a safe space for everyone around him to do the same. Ted struggles with vulnerabilities, just like we all do, and he demonstrates that vulnerability is a strength and key to what encourages us to be authentic. Our ultimate authentic self is when we can ask, accept, or embrace help when needed. We love Ted even more for what he went through and how he embraced his feelings, mistakes, and vulnerabilities. #lesson – humility is a lifelong practice of strength, confidence, and facing your true self. Embrace the real you more and let vulnerability and authenticity in.
Resilience
Ted inspires us to face our challenges with courage and perseverance. Any outcome to facing challenges is merely a stepping stone and a lesson. He really does 'believe' in people, humanity, courage, and kindness. This shines through this character and is inspirational to all. #lesson - resilience is lifetime courage to believe in yourself and others.
Forget, Forgive, For Wellness
"Be a goldfish". That's it – forget what is behind you because it's something to learn from, not dwell on. Regardless of whether what is behind you is a failure or success, 'being a goldfish' signifies thinking, focusing, and moving forward. We can't seem to hear this enough in life – focus on your progress and action, not the outcome or the past. For a while, Ted holds on to anger; he resents and regrets and is remiss about what is happening with his family. His personal life is his most considerable angst in life, which affects him mentally, physically, and psychologically. Ted finally allows acceptance and forgiveness of himself and others so that he may move forward in his life. #lesson - forgiveness heals and strengthens relationships, goals, purpose, and our heart and soul.
Quirkiness
You can find humor in challenging situations, and allowing oneself to be unconventional is a powerful tool for resilience and mental well-being. Finding the lighter side of things is vital to psychological and physical wellness because it releases beneficial responses in the mind and body. Of course, there are severe and intense moments in our lives, and not everything can be or should be met with humor. But chances are, humor can be found in more moments than you realize. #lesson – embrace humor and quirkiness. It's a surprising key to longevity and wellness.
Real Heros
Real heroes are not the unrelatable big-shot movie heroes that we've all grown up watching. Real heroes are all around us. Ted Lasso is the unlikely hero of his family, friends, and team, and he is a hero to us. He's a hero to our humanity, our positivity, our authenticity, our well-being, our kindness, our resilience, our quirkiness, and our ability to be heroes too. #lesson – be a real hero for your family, friends, tribe, and community. You don't have to rescue a falling star; simply believe, support, assist, and cheer someone on.
Currently, there are no plans for additional Ted Lasso episodes. However, I still have hope for some kind of return; for now, I will continue to enjoy the three glorious seasons of Ted Lasso, its quirky humor, positive impact, and life lessons in humanity.