Curiosity #27 - Team Mediocre!

🎤 Quotable quotes: "The important work of moving the world forward does not wait to be done by perfect men." —George Eliot

Embracing Good Enough with a Ted Lasso Twist

In the relentless pursuit of perfection, we often find ourselves chasing the impossible standard of being the best at everything. But let’s take a page from Ted and consider a different play: what if we chose to excel selectively, focusing our energies only on what truly matters, and letting the rest just be good enough? Welcome to the strategy of selective mediocrity—Ted Lasso style.

I mean... there were two full internets of things he didn't know about soccer ;)

The Myth of Universal Excellence

Think about it. Even Ted Lasso, with all his biscuits and boundless optimism, doesn’t try to win at everything. He focuses on what he’s good at—inspiring his team, making genuine connections, and throwing out a killer quip. He doesn’t spend his days trying to master tactics he’s unfamiliar with. Instead, he leverages his strengths and fills the gaps with folks who shore up his weaknesses. (He has Coach Beard!!!)

Why Ted Would Endorse Selective Mediocrity

Selective mediocrity isn’t about being lazy; it’s about being smart. It’s choosing to spend less time on things that don’t spark joy or bring significant returns—like obsessing over perfectly folded t-shirts —and more on things that do—like nurturing relationships or pursuing passions.

Here’s why embracing a bit of mediocrity can actually be your secret weapon:

1. Reduces Burnout: Just as Coach Lasso delegates tactical soccer decisions to Coach Beard, knowing your limits and outsourcing the small stuff can prevent burnout. You keep your energy for the big matches—your personal and professional goals.
2. Boosts Creativity: When you’re not bogged down by perfection in every task, you’re free to think more creatively where it counts. Ted’s best ideas often come when he’s not trying to control every outcome.
3. Enhances Well-being: There’s a reason Ted Lasso remains a beacon of positivity; he knows not sweating the small stuff is essential for maintaining his sunny disposition.
4. Fosters Authenticity: By focusing on what you’re genuinely good at, you build a life that’s more authentic and fulfilling. Ted doesn’t try to be anything he’s not, and his genuine nature is why people love him.

How to Channel Your Inner Lasso

Implementing selective mediocrity doesn’t mean giving up on excellence. It means redefining where you apply your efforts. Here’s how to do it with a Lasso-like charm:

1. Identify Your Superpower: Where do you shine? Ted knows his strengths are his optimism and emotional intelligence. Pinpoint where you make the biggest impact and direct your energies there.
2. Pick Your Bench: What are the low-stakes areas in your life? Maybe it’s fine if your car isn’t always spotless, or if your lawn looks more “lived-in” than “landscaped.”
3. Set Boundaries Like Beard: Coach Beard knows when to step back and let others shine. Set boundaries that allow you to focus on your strengths while trusting others to handle the rest.
4. Celebrate the Wins, No Matter the Size: Every victory counts. Did you make someone smile today? That’s a win. Managed to cook dinner amidst a chaotic week? Another win. Ted celebrates every goal, big or small.

Wrapping It Up, Lasso Style

Selective mediocrity isn’t about settling; it’s about playing smarter, not harder. It’s about knowing that while you can’t win every game, you can win the ones that matter with the right strategy.

So, remember, it’s okay if some parts of your life are just “okay.” Keep your eyes on the ball where it counts, and let Ted Lasso’s boundless enthusiasm remind you that sometimes, good enough really is good enough—especially when it lets you focus on what you love.

Because at the end of the day, as Ted would say, “Being curious, not judgmental,” and knowing where to focus your curiosity, is the key to a life well-lived.

More leadership musings

🍪 Biscuits with the Boss: If you could choose one "lame" superhero power, what would it be?

You know - like being able to pick an avocado that ripens exactly when you need it. (One of our readers suggested this power. It is brilliant!)

🏅Whistle. Whistle. A little Roy Kent Tough Love Advice:

Listen, if you're spending more than ten minutes a day making your bed look like it's from a magazine cover—you're wasting your time. Use that energy where it bloody counts!

📚Beard’s collection: 

📖 Manson, Mark. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life. Harper, 2016.

Manson challenges us to find what's truly important and let go of everything else. With a blend of raw honesty and compelling insights, this book is perfect for anyone wanting to focus their energy where it counts.

📖 McKeown, Greg. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. Crown Publishing, 2014.

Ever feel like you're busy but not productive? This book is your guide to cutting out the fluff—focusing only on what's essential. Because sometimes doing less, but better, is the key to getting more out of life.

📖 Milo, Daniel S. Good Enough: The Tolerance for Mediocrity in Nature and Society. Harvard University Press, 2019.

This read shows how striving for 'good enough' has allowed both nature and civilizations to thrive. It's a powerful reminder that perfection isn't always the path to success—sometimes, it's about being just good enough.

🌎 This week in Here - There - Every F’ing where 

Three cheers for the Assistant Principals of the eastern shore of Maryland! And thanks to Kelly Griffith for inviting them to Lead it Like Lasso. And DCTC in Dorchester County Public Schools always makes for great hosts!

What to have us 

See you next week,
Nick & Marnie