Art of Letting Go: A Lesson from Ted Lasso

A few years back, I found myself trapped in a cycle I couldn't seem to escape. It was as if one area of my life was frozen in time, held captive by a mindset that refused to budge. The more I tried to move on, the more I felt ensnared by my own thoughts and memories 🌀 That was until I stumbled upon a solution so unexpected, it took me by surprise. It wasn't a person, a book, or a seminar that changed my perspective. It was, believe it or not, a TV series Ted Lasso, an 11-time Emmy winner, to be exact 🎦

Ted Lasso, for those who might not be familiar, isn't just a show about football, it's a gold mine of life lessons, delivered through the journey of a coach who's as vulnerable as he is determined. Ted, with his mustache and unwavering optimism, became an unexpected mentor for me. Of all the golden nuggets the show offers, one stood out and resonated with me profoundly: Be a goldfish 🐠

Why a goldfish, you ask? Well, as Ted explains, a goldfish has the shortest memory span—a trait that supposedly makes it the happiest animal alive 😀 Ted's philosophy is simple yet profound. He urges his players, to not dwell on their failures, traumatic experiences, or even their victories.

📌The message? Learn your lessons but don't let those memories weigh you down.

At first, the concept felt alien, almost uncomfortable. How could I just forget the moments that shaped me, even if they were painful? But then it hit me. It wasn't about erasing those memories; it was about not letting them control my present or future. Inspired by the goldfish, I decided to take a leap of faith. I chose to let go of that ugly argument, the hurtful words that felt like a dagger, and the people who decided I wasn't worth their time.

📌But how did I actually do it?

The key was breaking the cycle 🛑 Instead of replaying those moments over and over in my mind, I interrupted the loop. By consciously choosing not to dwell on these memories, I slowly started to free up mental space for new experiences, opportunities, and perspectives.

So, if you find yourself stuck in a fixed mindset, replaying the same memories that hold you back, maybe it's time to take a leaf out of Ted Lasso's playbook. Be like a goldfish. It might feel daunting at first, but give it a shot. You might just find the freedom to move on, explore new horizons, and, most importantly, make room for joy and happiness in your life 🌱

I believe that it's not about forgetting who you are or the experiences that have shaped you. It's about not letting the past hold you captive. So, take what you need from your experiences, learn, grow, and then, like a goldfish, swim forward into new waters 🐠It's a journey worth embarking on, and who knows? You might just discover a happier, more fulfilled you on the other side.

Cheers,

Bibliophile Parul