Gosh, isn’t this one we learned in kindergarten? To treat people the way you would like to be treated. To be nice to others. These are all quite simple approaches, but they really go a long way! Even in the face of difficulty, in stressful situations, or when things are not going your way–be kind. ❤️

I particularly love how easy it is for Ted to be kind even as locals bark snide remarks and berate him when he is not immediately successful at coaching their beloved team. He befriends strangers with ease, and develops lasting relationships simply by leading with kindness.

✔ The daily biscuits for his boss, Football Club owner Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham).
✔ The deep-rooted friendship he has with his Assistant Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt).
✔ The surprise birthday celebration for player Sam Obisanya (Toheeb Jimoh) which results in a deepening of the team's camaraderie and Sam's confidence on and off the pitch.
✔ Acknowledging people on staff who have [clearly] previously been ignored, overlooked, or taken for granted by remembering their names, inviting their feedback, and encouraging and appreciating their part on the team. Here's looking at you Higgins (Jeremy Swift).

It doesn't take much to be kind, but it sure does make a big difference. 🙂

While it’s completely understandable to want to be knowledgable, it’s also totally okay to not know everything. In fact, it’s very likely that there is a lot that we don’t know, and instead of insisting that we have it all figured out, what if we just acknowledged that there are areas we still have room for growth and things that we have yet to learn?

Or embrace the fact that people in the world have qualities and know things that we, ourselves, do not possess or know. We can look to others for guidance, and we can learn from them. It is important to personal growth to acknowledge that there is much more beyond our own limited view, and that by opening ourselves to other perspectives, suggestions, constructive feedback, etc. we will be able to become a more holistic player..or person. ✨

Another great example of exploration and understanding is Dr. Sharon Fieldstone (Sarah Niles) who works with the team to acknowledge and better understand themselves. To assess how they contribute to the world around them, both on the field and in their personal lives. It is sometimes difficult to turn inward and work through personal struggles, but mental health is just as important and necessary as physical health. Whether you are a football player or not.

This is one that I try to incorporate in my everyday life. Especially when I’ve had a rough day/week/month, and I just need something good to pull me up a little. We have to celebrate the small victories. 🎉

A great example comes early when we meet one of my favorite characters, Dani Rojas (Cristo Fernandez). He is like a firefly, constantly lighting up with a smile, casting a positive light on even the smallest of things. At one point when Richland’s star striker Jamie Tart (Phil Dunster) is shooting, and Rojas joins as another sharp shooter, they take up a short of shootout at practice. Though when Tart hits the crossbar, Rojas responds as if accuracy is now the new game, and they trade off trying to hit the crossbar. By switching perspective towards the positive, we all win.

What was the saying? You are only as strong as your weakest player? Basically, there is no “I” in “TEAM.” We need every player to succeed, and we are stronger together.

In Ted Lasso’s realm, this includes every player, as well as every member of the coaching staff. Because you also never know when a quiet individual, when encouraged and given the space to succeed, will surprise you–quick shoutout to Coach Nathan Shelley (Nick Mohammed) working his way from the assistant (putting out towels and water), to calling the game winning play against Tottenham when Coach Lasso had to leave the field! Well played, my friend! 🥅

The whole show is chock-full of laughs and looking on the bright side of things. Almost at first, honestly, disgustingly positive. Like unbelievably or even annoyingly so. Maybe that says something about the culture we live in, or how rare it is these days to have a bunch of good news and positive vibes flowing our way, but it did finally grow on me. I found myself looking forward to getting to watch the next episode–a bright spot in my day. ☀️

It helped me to remember that there is only so much we can control. And as we navigate the rough terrain, we can feel despair or fear or anger, or we can try to look for a bright side. We can remember that by association, we feel better when we make someone else feel better. That building people up, or making people smile infiltrates our surroundings and sets a model that people perpetuate.

Even Richmond's grouchy veteran player turned assistant coach, Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein), incorporates some positivity into his world when he makes time for his niece and and his girlfriend, Keeley (Juno Temple), or watches reality TV and drinks rosé with his neighborhood lady friends. It's those little doses of goodness that contribute to the overall quality of our lives. 💕