Lessons from Ted Lasso

SHAKING THE TREE #142

Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash

I first wrote about life lessons from Ted Lasso back in June of 2023.

At the time, I had no idea just how long I’d stick with this newsletter and what writing and publishing on a regular basis would look like for me.

I’ve tried and failed to maintain a consistent publishing schedule before, and I know all too well how demoralizing it can be to keep plugging away, week after week without seeing much of a result.

Then I came across a video reel on Facebook of Ted Lasso playing darts, and with that reel, a lot of things changed for me.

It’s a simple scene about a game of darts between Ted and Rupert, but in it, we come across a brilliant metaphor for a broader life lesson.

Ted—the ever-optimistic football coach—turns what might seem like a trivial game into a masterclass on the transformative power of curiosity.

At first glance, the dart game appears to be just another subplot in the ongoing rivalry between Ted and Rupert.

Rupert—the arrogant former owner of the football club is confident in his superiority as a darts player and the wager on the game is steep. Rupert expects an easy victory.

That is, until Ted turns things around.

Ted needs to score exactly 1,001 points to win. Rupert bets that Ted can’t succeed.

As Ted plays, he tells a story about his time growing up in Kansas.

He reminisces about how his father taught him to approach challenges with a certain mindset: not to focus on the pressure of the situation but rather on enjoying the process and doing his best.

The story is filled with nostalgia and reveals a deeper layer of Ted’s character, illustrating how his past experiences and his father's lessons influence his approach to life and competition.

This anecdote serves to emphasize Ted's belief in the power of perseverance, strategy, and the value of enjoying the journey rather than being solely focused on the outcome. Something we’d all do well to learn from.

As Ted shares this personal story—all the while maintaining his composure and concentration—underscores the essence of his character: an embodiment of positivity and resilience, even in the face of challenges.

Ted approaches the game with a relaxed demeanor and an unshakeable optimism.

What Rupert doesn't realize is that Ted's apparent nonchalance is, in fact, a reflection of his deep-seated curiosity and his unique approach to problem-solving.

Ted's curiosity, in this context, isn’t simply about understanding the mechanics of darts; it's about a broader willingness to explore, learn, and understand different perspectives.

This quality allows Ted to engage in the game with an open mind, unburdened by preconceived notions or fears of failure.

Ted’s curiosity drives him to delve deeper into the situation, to understand Rupert’s motivations, and to approach the challenge from an unconventional angle.

Ted’s ceaseless curiosity is beneficial because it:

Fosters open-mindedness: Curiosity invites us to look beyond our immediate assumptions and consider alternative viewpoints.

In the episode, Ted’s open-mindedness allows him to approach the dart game with a fresh perspective, breaking free from the constraints of conventional thinking.

This openness not only aids in the game but also helps in various life situations where understanding and empathy are crucial.

Encourages problem-solving: When faced with a challenge, curiosity drives us to ask questions and seek out innovative solutions.

Ted's unconventional dart strategy, informed by his curiosity about Rupert’s personality and motivations, exemplifies how asking the right questions and thinking creatively can lead to surprising and effective outcomes.

This approach is applicable in any problem-solving scenario, where traditional methods may fall short.

Promotes resilience: Curiosity is closely linked to resilience.

By staying curious, we are more likely to embrace setbacks as learning opportunities rather than insurmountable obstacles.

Ted’s calm and inquisitive demeanor in the face of Rupert’s arrogance demonstrates how curiosity helps maintain composure and adaptiveness, even under pressure.

Enhances relationships: A curious mindset fosters deeper connections with others.

Ted’s genuine interest in Rupert’s character and motivations reflects his broader approach to relationships—one that values understanding and connection over mere competition.

This approach can lead to more meaningful interactions and stronger, more empathetic relationships.

Drives personal growth: Finally, curiosity is a catalyst for personal development.

By constantly seeking to learn and understand more, we push the boundaries of our own knowledge and skills.

Ted’s engagement in the dart game, driven by his curiosity, illustrates how a willingness to explore and grow can lead to unexpected and rewarding results.

The darts game is more than a dramatic showdown; it’s a powerful lesson in the virtues of curiosity.

Ted’s approach, marked by open-mindedness, creativity, resilience, and empathy, underscores how curiosity can transform challenges into opportunities and interactions into meaningful connections.

As we navigate our own lives, particularly when it comes to creating content, by exploring and embracing our innate curiosity, we might just find the key to unlocking our full potential and finding success in the most unexpected of places.

As always, thanks for reading.

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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … Why you’ve got to keep going