If you’ve ever watched Ted Lasso, you know it’s not just a show about soccer (or football, depending on your location). It’s a show with so much heart—it’s all about people, relationships, and figuring out how to become the best version of yourself, even when life doesn’t go as planned. Last night, I saw a list of leadership lessons from the show that got me thinking: What if we applied these lessons to leadership and life with Ataxia? Honestly, there’s so much we can learn from Ted Lasso’s wise (and often funny) perspective on life’s ups and downs.
1. Be Sincere
Sincerity is one of those things that never goes out of style. In Ted Lasso, it’s clear that being genuine and honest can build trust and connection. Living with Ataxia, sincerity is just as important—whether it’s being honest with yourself about your limits or being upfront with others about what you need. It’s okay to admit when you’re having a tough day. It doesn’t make you weak; it makes you real.
2. Stay Teachable
One of my favorite Ted-isms is the idea of staying curious and teachable. Living with Ataxia, I feel like every day brings something new. Maybe it’s finding a better way to tackle a challenge or using a new tool that makes life easier. Staying teachable isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being open to learning and growing, even when things feel tough.
3. See Good in Others
This one’s straightforward but so meaningful. Ted Lasso has a way of seeing the good in people, even when they’re not exactly showing it. With Ataxia, it’s easy to focus on the people who don’t get it—the ones who stare or ask awkward questions. But what if we flipped that? What if we tried to see the good, even when it’s hard? A little empathy can go a long way—for everyone!
4. Happiness Is a Choice
This is a tough one, isn’t it? Some days, happiness feels like the last thing on your mind when you’re dealing with the challenges of Ataxia. But Ted reminds us that happiness is a choice—not an easy one, but a choice, nonetheless. It doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff. It means finding those moments of joy: a favorite song, a laugh with a friend, or even a sunny day.
5. Winning Is an Attitude
For Ted, winning isn’t just about the scoreboard. It’s about effort, heart, and showing up when it’s hard. With Ataxia, “winning” can look like many different things—standing up after a fall, trying something new even if it scares you, or simply making it through the day. Winning isn’t about perfection; it’s about perseverance.
6. Have Confidence in Yourself
Confidence can feel tricky when your body doesn’t always play along. But Ted Lasso’s take on confidence is a good reminder—it’s not about knowing everything but about trusting that you can figure it out. Living with Ataxia means constantly adapting, and every small win proves what you’re capable of. Trust yourself—you’ve made it this far for a reason.
7. Optimists Take More Chances
Ted’s optimism is the kind that lingers. Being optimistic doesn’t mean disregarding reality—it’s about trusting that good things can still happen. With Ataxia, optimism might mean trying a new treatment, asking for help when needed, or just showing up for yourself on a tough day. It’s not about being naive—it’s about having the courage to keep moving forward.
8. Everyone Differs from Everyone Else
This one REALLY hits home. Life with Ataxia means standing out in ways you might not always want to. But as Ted would say, everyone is different—and that’s what makes life interesting. Your story, your life, and your perspective matter. Own your uniqueness. It’s what makes you, you.
9. Courage Is the Willingness to “Try.”
Courage doesn’t mean you’re never scared—it means you show up and try anyway. Living with a movement disorder requires courage every day, whether it’s walking into an unfamiliar situation, asking for help, or taking on a new challenge. Take a moment to celebrate that courage.
10. Vulnerability Is a Strength, not a Weakness
Ted Lasso nails vulnerability. Putting yourself out there isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely worth it. Living with Ataxia, vulnerability shows up all the time—whether it’s explaining my condition or letting someone help when I’d rather do it myself. But you know what? Vulnerability brings us closer to others. It’s what makes relationships authentic and life meaningful. So, don’t shy away from it—embrace it.
11. Doing the Right Thing Is Never the Wrong Thing
This one’s pretty straightforward. Doing the right thing—advocating for yourself, standing up for someone else, or simply being kind—will never steer you wrong. It might not be easy, but it’s always worth it.
12. Be Curious, Not Judgmental
Instead of jumping to conclusions, why not stay curious? With Ataxia, that might mean asking more questions, finding new resources, or being open to ideas you hadn’t thought about before. A little curiosity can help you grow in ways you never expected.
13. Be a Goldfish
And finally, the famous goldfish advice: Forget the bad stuff quickly, and don’t let it define you. Living with Ataxia comes with challenges, but carrying every frustration or failure with you? That’s too heavy. Learn, let go, and keep swimming forward.
Final Thoughts
Ted Lasso’s leadership lessons may be for a soccer team, but they are universal in many ways. For those of us in the Ataxia community, they remind us to stay kind, stay curious, and keep showing up—regardless of how tough the day may feel. Life isn’t just about getting everything right; it’s about embracing the journey and discovering the good along the way. And as Ted would say, “Believe.”
So, which one of these lessons speaks to you? Let’s keep the conversation going……
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