The Power of Reconnecting with Old Friends and Colleagues – Ted Lasso Style

March 14, 2023

We all have those people in our lives that we lose touch with for one reason or another. They had a meaningful impact at a specific moment personally or professionally, but life gets in the way, time passes, and you lose your connection. It could be a mentor, a professor, a colleague, a friend, or a character on a television show. Yes, I said a character on a television show. If you read my previous blog on Ted Lasso, you will recognize that reference.

My friend Ted Lasso hasn’t contacted me in about 2 years. To be honest, I hadn’t gotten in touch with him either. That changed about 3 weeks ago when Ted reached out to me to let me know he was going to release Season 3 on March 15. In response, I started rewatching the series from the initial pilot. It is nice to reconnect with an old friend and tell some of the same stories; there is comfort in the familiarity.

Season 1 was perfectly timed and was just the antidote for my COVID lockdown blues. The Ted Lasso character was a person I could relate to. More importantly, he was someone that I could aspire to emulate at work and in my personal life – his vulnerability, his empathy, and his ability to make no judgments about people or their choices. He simply accepts everyone with all of their flaws.

As I eagerly wait for the show, I am approaching the new season with a mindset that reflects the themes of gratitude, vulnerability, and empathy. I revisited several blogs and videos posted by Brene Brown, David Roche, Patton Oswalt, and others (I even reread my own blog!) after Season 1 first aired.

On the theme of gratitude, Brene Brown has a great quote that embodies the character of Ted Lasso, “I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” Ted is known for his unwavering optimism and ability to find the good in any situation. By taking time to appreciate the positive things in our lives, no matter how small, we can maintain a positive outlook and approach challenges with a growth mindset.

In Ted’s own words, “Believe in yourself, because you’re the only person who’s going to be with you for your whole life.” By cultivating a sense of gratitude, we can build a stronger sense of self and approach life’s challenges with more resilience.

On the theme of vulnerability, Brene Brown famously said, “Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” This sentiment is echoed throughout the show as the characters struggle with their own vulnerabilities and learn to embrace them.

Roy Kent is a great example of a character who initially struggles with opening up emotionally but ultimately learns to express his feelings more openly. Roy says, “It’s okay to be vulnerable. It’s okay to feel stuff.” By embracing vulnerability, we can build stronger connections with those around us and create a more authentic and fulfilling life. As Ted Lasso puts it, “Being vulnerable doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re brave.”

Finally, empathy is a key component of Ted Lasso’s approach to coaching and life in general. He uses the Walt Whitman quote, “Be curious, not judgmental,” to drive home his point of emotional understanding. By putting himself in others’ shoes and seeking to understand their perspective, Ted is able to connect with his players and colleagues on a deeper level. This kind of empathy can help us build stronger relationships with those around us and can lead to more meaningful interactions.

“Believe in yourself, because you’re the only person who’s going to be with you for your whole life.”

As the character of Coach Beard says, “Empathy is key. You gotta get out of your own head and into the heads of your players.” By practicing empathy, we can create a more supportive and understanding environment for ourselves and those around us.

One of my favorite quotes from Ted is, “The more you know about someone, the less you hate them.” In the current environment, this seems to be a lesson that we could all take to heart. By seeking to understand and empathize with those around us, we can break down barriers and build stronger connections.

So, as we prepare for the new season of Ted Lasso, let’s remember the importance of gratitude, vulnerability, and empathy in our own lives. Brene Brown says that, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.” This sounds a lot like a quote from Ted in the first scene of the pilot, “Change is a lot like riding a horse; if you are comfortable while you are doing it, you are probably doing it wrong.”

Let’s approach the new season of Ted Lasso with an open mind and a willingness to embrace our own vulnerabilities and connect (or reconnect) with those around us.