“I believe in hope. I believe in ‘Believe.’” Ted Lasso embodies his motto in its entirety.

   In the 13-time Emmy Award-winning eponymous show, Lasso is a college American football coach hired to train a Premier League soccer team. From the very first episode, it’s clear that Lasso’s character is the heart of the show. His empathy and relentless optimism transform the pessimistic attitudes of the team and serve as a stark contrast to our world of polarization and increasing hostility. However, is this mentality beneficial—or even viable—outside of the universe of Ted Lasso?

   Lasso greets the world with compassion while carrying his hardships alone. In the process of building everyone else up, he slowly tears himself down. His instinct to avoid his emotions, which perpetuates his refusal to open up to people, eventually wears him out. His inability to tend to his emotions is the root cause of his eventual burnout. Thus, Lasso’s mentality is practical only if he extends the same amount of care to himself that he gives to others.

   Another defining trait of Lasso is being curious rather than judgmental: when someone disappoints or hurts him, Lasso seeks to understand rather than to assign blame. This mindset works well in the Lasso universe because those who hurt him magically change their ways. However, this generosity must be exercised with caution in the real world. Choosing curiosity can be powerful because people can change with support, but it comes at the expense of emotional bandwidth, and vice versa.

   Finally, Lasso values the process more than the result. To him, the process will provide lasting enjoyment, as no singular outcome can define success or failure. Relishing the process can only be achieved by tuning out all the external pressure in our merit-based society.

   Ultimately, it may not be viable to be like Ted Lasso because of its consequences, but that doesn’t dismiss the value of his optimism and empathy. We should strive to enjoy the process, be curious, and build each other up—while allowing ourselves to accept help.