I happened to stumble across the TV show Ted Lasso during a challenging time in my life. Meeting the character, Ted, and others, has really helped to change my perspective on things. It is an inspiring TV show and I have loved it.
I ordered the book, ‘What Would Ted Lasso Do?’ because I loved the series so much. I wanted to read more about Ted’s positive attitude and have a permanement reminder of the lessons I was learning in the show.
If you’re a fan of the show, or if you love the idea of a positive approach to life then the book is worth a read.
Believe
One of my most loved concepts from the show is the idea of ‘Believe’. I now have a Ted-style poster on my home office wall. Believe is about believing that something great will happen. Right now I need to believe that everything will work out in my life. I have to believe.
Be Successful
This chapter focuses on Ted’s use of Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success and his belief that winning isn’t important – it’s about helping his players become the best versions of themselves that they can be. When I was a headteacher this was always my philosophy – by motivating and encouraging people to be the best versions of themselves then this would result in success for the school. And it worked.
Be Curious
Ted describes a quote from Walt Whitman – be curious, not judgemental. This is really powerful – if we all did this the world would be a better place.
Be Optimistic
Ted says, “I believe in hope.” Being optimistic is a choice and it will improve your mindset the more you do this.
Be a Do-Gooder
Ted loves to help other people. I need to try to do this more. I have thought about volunteering but not sure yet what I want to do.
Be Open to Therapy
Recently I have had some counselling sessions. I enjoyed them but I wasn’t sure if they were what I needed. I still have a couple more to go and I will be more open-minded with them. This chapter also reminds me of the importance of talking.
Be A Good Parent (to Yourself)
This chapter reminds us that people’s behaviour is often the result of poor parenting. We can work hard to show that we can improve as people by learning from good people – and that we can try to do for our own children by modelling the right sorts of behaviour.
Be More Like a Woman
This chapter reminds us about toxic masculinity and how to avoid and remove it from our lives.
Be Forgiving
Be a goldfish – they are always happy because they have the shortest memory span. I love this concept. It is hard to forgive. Recently I have been put through the biggest trauma in my life. Forgiving is my next step, but staying angry forever is not something I am prepared to do. I am trying to be a goldfish.
Be You
“Listen to your gut, and on the way down, listen to your heart and between those two things, they’ll let you know what’s what.” Sounds like more great advice from Ted. Be yourself.
Be Kind
This short chapter reminds us to be kind to everyone else. That’s what Ted does. That’s why people love him. And I love how, in the show, this kindness is paid forwards by everyone he meets. Something else for us all to try to do – be kind.
I know that I’ll watch the show again and again and will read this book everytime that I do!