Modeling My Inner Ted Lasso
We’ve all heard the phrase “What would [insert icon here] do?” But lately, when the days get long, work gets overwhelming, or life just gets plain rough, I’ve been asking myself a very specific version of this question:
What would Ted Lasso do?
If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be channeling an upbeat, fictional American soccer coach in my day-to-day life, I would have laughed.
Honestly, when I first tried watching the show, I thought it was the stupidest thing ever. I just wasn’t in the right headspace for it. But when I gave it a second chance? I realized it might just be one of the greatest shows ever written.
Why do I love it so much? Well- it’s simple. It gives me so much hope. And as corny as it sounds, it genuinely makes me want to be a better person.
What would the world look like if we all tried to be a little more like Ted? Well, if you have not watched this masterpiece, then let me tell you. It would be infinitely better. Because no matter what anyone throws at him, Ted doesn’t react with anger, defensiveness, or backlash. Instead, he responds with:
* Calmness: Taking a beat before reacting.
* Understanding: Seeking to know why someone is hurting or angry.
* Empathy: Choosing to see the humanity in everyone, even the people who treat him poorly.
And it’s pure. It’s not smoke and mirrors. It’s real and honest.
Ted isn’t perfect, the show makes sure we know that; but he’s about as close to a blueprint for a good human as we can get.
I’ve always considered myself a really good person. But hitting midlife has a funny way of making you reassess things. Let’s face it: I have less than half of my life left, and that realization is pushing me straight out of my comfort zone. It’s making me want to be better in every way I can.
“Success is not about the wins and losses. It’s about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the pitch.” — Ted Lasso
For me, success right now is just being a little bit better tomorrow than I am today.
So lately, when work gets stressful or life tests my patience, I’m trying not to immediately react anymore. I take a breath. I try to understand. I do my best to lead with empathy instead of frustration.
And no, I don’t get it right every day. Sometimes I still need to vent. Sometimes I fail spectacularly. But surprisingly, this mindset works far more often than I ever expected it to.
If you haven’t seen Ted Lasso, please take a moment to watch it. I promise it will be worth the time. Don’t write it off as “just a show about a soccer team.”
Ted Lasso is actually a masterclass in humanity and every life lesson we desperately need to learn.
And just for fun, the next time you find yourself on the verge of snapping, losing your patience, or assuming the worst of someone, stop, take a breath and join me in asking:
What would Ted Lasso do?
Be a goldfish, my friends. That’s what Ted Lasso would do. Be a goldfish. And if you don’t know what that means, then I truly encourage you to watch the show. You can thank me later.