"What “Ted Lasso” taught me"

From the direct words of “Rebecca” (the Hannah Waddingham)

Fortunate to have spent last week in Punta Cana presenting at ALG Vacations’ KINDNESS CONFERENCE. They arranged a very special guest (photo below).  She starred opposite Jason Sudeikis in the award-winning Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso and even won an Emmy for her role.  She addressed the attendees by sharing thoughts on remaining grounded, finding success, staying humble, and finally single motherhood.  Hannah was authentic and KIND.

“Just listen to your gut, and on the way down to your gut, check in with your heart. Between those two things, they’ll let you know what’s what.” -Ted Lasso

The entire environment was set up to be inspiring.  Blank “kindness notes” were given as a reminder to “tell” someone what you appreciate most about them.

I created KINDNESS CARDS to be used almost like a checklist and a reminder of the things we can do to enhance the KINDNESS that we show to each other.  Even after the conference, just yesterday, I observed and used several of these tactics.

• At Target, I offered to let the woman behind me go first as she had fewer items than I did. (ERASE YOU)
• A driver cut me off and did not waive to say sorry and I didn’t react (KIND OVER RIGHT)
• I returned my shopping cart to the proper “coral” (NEIGHBORLY)
• A driver pulled her car to the side of the road to pick up a turtle that was trying to cross (SEE SOMETHING, DO SOMETHING)

One of our sessions had a smaller amount of attendees, so we simply sat at a table and had a conversation.  A message that I share that aligns with KINDNESS is a story about “YOU’RE DOING GREAT.”  On social media I shared the same clip and was blown away by the reception.  We all need to hear good things.  We all need reminders to pat ourselves on the back and take a deep breath.  We all need to know that as long as we are “doing our best”, we are indeed “DOING GREAT”. 

A few attendees suggested that this message needs to be shared more, and one mentioned the ability to print it backwards.  Ta-dah… here it is.  A reminder every time you look in the mirror, you are reminded that indeed “YOU’RE DOING GREAT”.

There are 3 things you can do today to be more like Ted Lasso:

1. Give Compliments: Find opportunities to give genuine compliments. It costs nothing, takes no time, and could make someone’s entire day. Don’t just think it—say it!
2. Write a Note: Take a moment to write a heartfelt note to someone, expressing how much they mean to you. It could be a friend, family member, or colleague.
3. Treat someone: Surprise someone by paying for their coffee, or buying a small treat.