It’s a lucky thing when you come across a show that has it all. Heart, warmth, laughter, community, and just an overall good vibe. When you do, you want to hold it close. And when you reach the end of the show, it feels as though you lost a dear friend (and you immediately start pondering when you can restart it over again).

Ted Lasso is one of those shows for me.

The endearing nature of Ted. The badass-ery that is Rebecca. The teddy bear underneath that ferocious growl that is Roy Kent. The proud to be awkward mantra that is Coach Beard.

These characters found their way into my home and quickly into my heart a little over two years ago. And when it was time to say goodbye to them, there was a sense of sadness in that closure.

But, also a feeling of thanks. Thanks for being such a light in a world that can sometimes feel dark.

So, while I had a deep sense of the show’s season three ending being practically perfect in every way (just ask Mary Poppins!), I was THRILLED beyond words to find out season four is coming.

I feel like the true pandemonium behind the show is in how Ted Lasso is really teaching us metaphors for life. And those little nuggets, interspersed between some great soccer (errrr… football), is really where the magic of Ted Lasso lies.

In celebration of season FOUR, here are FOUR (of many!) life lessons from Ted Lasso (+ friends). 

P.S SPOILERS AHEAD. Keep reading at your own risk!

#1: Fix the Culture and Watch People Thrive

Ted Lasso comes into a somewhat turbulent situation when he arrives at AFC Richmond. Between Rebecca’s determination to collapse the club and an overall toxic work environment, Ted has it cut out for himself. And he truly turns lemons into lemonade.

After suggesting this show (over and over and over again) to a dear friend of mine, one long weekend she decided to jump in. And almost immediately she texted me about what Ted Lasso was doing was in line with what social workers are taught to do (her and I met at our social work graduate program). Social workers are taught to look at the environment surrounding the client.

And Ted’s focus is just on that.

It’s about creating a culture at Richmond that supports. That encourages. That feels like a loving family.

It’s about taking the time to celebrate a teammate’s birthday while he’s missing home, it’s about making sure expats have a place to celebrate Christmas, it’s about being there for someone when their dreams come true in opening a restaurant, it’s about taking the time to go to the funeral for your friend’s dad.

It’s about showing up for people… wholeheartedly.

In short, Ted teaches us that the overall environment is perhaps that most important thing to address for overall personal growth-for everyone involved.

#2: Show Up for That Younger Version of You

It’s just a short little scene but perhaps my favorite.

Rebecca is on her way to a “big shots” meeting of really wealthy men to talk about investing in a new soccer league. After getting ready, we see her look in the mirror and start to do some mindful breathing. The camera cuts to a little girl, younger Rebecca, reflected right back at her. In a sweet moment, we see Rebecca gain that courage and show up for that little girl within herself.

What a powerful reminder when you are entering uncharted waters, feeling unworthy, or experiencing fear…to show up for that little girl (or boy) within you. To show them that you are indeed capable, worthy and brave.

#3: Nobody is Perfect. Let’s Forgive One Another For Not Being

An overarching theme for season two of Ted Lasso was the betrayal of Nate as he decides to become manager over at London rival club West Ham. While it’s so so so easy to fall into hate for Nate because of this, Ted ends up teaching us all a lesson when he flat out forgives Nate.

An even bigger life lesson comes along when we witness Coach Beard forgive Nate, too, and realize that nobody is perfect. We see this same theme play out across several different characters throughout the series, interestingly.

What a powerful reminder-to remember none of us get this whole human thing perfect. So, why don’t we forgive one another for not being perfect.

#4: The Power of BELIEVE

What is more iconic than Ted Lasso’s yellow sign with royal blue lettering spelling out “BELIEVE”?

The sign hangs, for the most part, above the door to Ted’s office, and we’re greeted with oft reminders of the power of believing when we watch the show reach precipice moments.

We eventually witness the power of belief come the forefront of the team’s identity when Ted and the team realize that the final pillar shaping the AFC Richmond culture is… (you guessed it) BELIEVE.

There is so much power in belief. So much. And Ted Lasso gently (or not so gently…) reminds us of that.

Cheers to more biscuits, more laughs, and more “WHISTLE” in season four!

Photo by Sabrina Mazzeo on Unsplash