What I learned from Ted Lasso

Jun 07, 2023

I just watched the last episode of the series Ted Lasso. After composing myself from being a blubbering mess, I realized this show was something special and it taught me (or tried to teach me) some life lessons.

If you didn’t already know, Ted Lasso is a comedy series on AppleTV+. The premise is that a football coach from the US is hired by a British Premier football league (soccer) team to coach. Despite having no soccer experience he put in charge of AFC Richmond, a mediocre team in London.

loved the show so much, I dressed up as Ted Lasso for Halloween

1. Be a goldfish

“Do you know what the happiest animal in the world is? It’s a goldfish. You know why? Got a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish, Sam.” - Ted Lasso

One of the most memorable lines from Ted Lasso is when he tells his player Sam to be a goldfish after he makes a mistake on the field. What he means by that is to forget about the past and focus on the present. Don’t dwell on your failures or regrets, but learn from them and move on.

2. Be nice to people.

Be nice to people, even try to get to know what going on with them. Ted made a point to ask the groundskeeper what his name was and Nate said “no one ever asks my name” Turns out Nate had a lot to offer the team, and was promoted to be a coach.

3. Don’t “settle” for someone in a relationship

“You deserve someone who makes you feel like you’ve been struck by f—ing lightning.” - Roy Kent

One of the most romantic moments in Ted Lasso is when Roy Kent tells Rebecca Welton that she deserves someone who makes her feel like she’s been struck by lightning. He says this after she goes on a date with a guy who is just “fine”.

This is a beautiful lesson for all of us, especially in our relationships. We deserve someone who makes us feel alive, who sparks joy in us, who loves us for who we are. We deserve someone who is not just fine, but amazing.

4. Everyone deserves a second chance

I believe in hope. I believe in believe.” - Ted Lasso

One of the core values that Ted Lasso lives by is his belief in hope and believe. He believes that people can change for the better, that mistakes can be corrected, that wounds can be healed, and that bridges can be rebuilt. He believes that everyone deserves a second chance, no matter how bad they’ve messed up.

We’ve seen this belief in action throughout the show, as Ted gives second chances to people who have wronged him or others. He gives a second chance to Rebecca Welton, the owner of AFC Richmond, who hired him with the intention of sabotaging the team and ruining her ex-husband’s legacy. He gives a second chance to Jamie Tartt, the star player who was selfish, arrogant, and disrespectful to his teammates and coaches. He gives a second chance to Rupert Mannion, Rebecca’s ex-husband who cheated on her and tried to ruin her life.

In each case, Ted shows kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to these people, even when they don’t deserve it or expect it. He sees the good in them, even when they don’t see it themselves. He helps them grow as individuals, even when they resist or reject his help. He inspires them to be better versions of themselves, even when they fall short or relapse.

5. Sometimes you have to let go and move on

Like when Ted realized his marriage was over. At some point you have to realize when it’s better to just pack up and move on.

6. Sometimes you will be the only person around that can help.

Sometimes a person may need help and you will be the only person that can connect and reach this person. You should not walk away,

For instance- in season 2, McAdoo was in a slump, Rob Kent took him to his old neighborhood and told him to enjoy the game like Roy did when he was a kid.

Or when Trent Crimm, provided support for Colin when he was struggling to come out as gay.

Your experiences and background will make you the only possible person to help someone at some point, You should always try to help.

What can we learn from Ted Lasso?

Ted Lasso is not a saint or a superhero. He’s a human being who has his own flaws and struggles. He’s not perfect or infallible. He makes mistakes and regrets them. He has doubts and fears. He has pain and trauma.

But what makes Ted Lasso special is his ability to overcome his challenges with grace and optimism. His ability to see the best in people and situations. His ability to spread joy and hope wherever he goes.

Ted Lasso teaches us that everyone deserves a second chance, including ourselves. That we shouldn’t judge people by their worst moments, but by their potential for growth. That we shouldn’t give up on people who have hurt us or disappointed us, but try to understand them and help them.

Ted Lasso teaches us that kindness is not weakness, but strength. That forgiveness is not foolishness, but wisdom. That love is not naive, but powerful.

Ted Lasso teaches us that we can be better people, if we believe in ourselves and each other.

And as Ted Lasso would say, “Have a great day!”