Curiosity #31 - Season 4 👍 👎?

🎤 Quotable quotes: "All good things must come to an end." Geoffrey Chaucer

Ted Lasso and the Infinite Game: Why Embracing Season 4 Teaches Us to Play On

When news hit that "Ted Lasso" is set to return for a fourth season, fans split into camps: purists who felt the story had a perfect ending and enthusiasts eager for more. But here’s a thought: What if the continuation of Ted's journey is a perfect parallel to the infinite game of life that Simon Sinek describes, where the goal isn't to win but to keep playing, evolving, and growing?

Why More Ted is a Good Thing

Think of life as a series of seasons. Each one offers new challenges, opportunities for growth, and the chance to redefine our understanding of success. Ted Lasso’s return isn’t a threat to the legacy but an opportunity to dive deeper and explore new dimensions. In Simon Sinek’s terms, the infinite game challenges us to think beyond finite goals and to embrace continuous improvement. This is life—where the game never ends, and every day is a chance to play a little better.

How to Play Your Infinite Game: A Checklist

1. Set Evolving Goals: Just like a TV show unveils new plots, set goals that evolve over time. Your objectives today might not suit the person you'll become tomorrow. Embrace flexibility in your ambitions.
2. Value Growth Over Victory: Instead of fixating on specific wins or achievements, focus on what you’re learning along the way. Every experience, whether a success or setback, is valuable if it contributes to your growth.
3. Build Resilient Relationships: In "Ted Lasso," relationships evolve, facing tests and triumphs. Invest in connections that withstand highs and lows, and that encourage mutual growth and understanding.
4. Stay Curious: Maintain a mindset of curiosity, much like Ted. Curiosity fosters an openness to new experiences and ideas, keeping the game interesting and dynamic.
5. Celebrate the Chapters: Just as viewers celebrate each episode of their favorite show, take time to celebrate the milestones in your life. Acknowledging progress is crucial in the infinite game.
6. Encourage Feedback: Like a showrunner who adapts to audience reactions, seek and embrace feedback. Constructive criticism can be a powerful tool for personal and professional development.
7. Be a Lifelong Learner: Commit to lifelong learning. The world is changing rapidly, and staying informed and skilled is akin to keeping the show fresh and relevant.
8. Give Back: Extend the play beyond yourself. Share your knowledge, mentor others, and contribute to your community. Playing the infinite game isn’t just about personal growth but about uplifting others on their journey.
9. Embrace New Beginnings: Every new season of your life can be as exciting as a fresh season of "Ted Lasso." Whether it's a new job, moving to a new city, or starting a new relationship, embrace the new beginnings with optimism.
10. Stay True to Your Values: Despite the changes around and within you, stay anchored to your core values. They are your guiding principles, much like the unwavering positivity and kindness in Ted’s character.

Why This Matters

Just as the prospect of more "Ted Lasso" invites us to see what new lessons, laughs, and tears lie ahead, seeing your own life as an infinite game encourages continuous engagement with your ambitions and relationships. It’s not about finding a neat conclusion but about moving forward, learning, and playing—infinitely.

So, as AFC Richmond gears up for another go on the pitch, ask yourself: If your life were a binge-worthy series, what would Season Next look like? Share your plots with us, and let's make Ted proud by never fearing the extra time on the clock.

More leadership musings

🍪 Biscuits with the Boss: If your life had a theme song, what would it be?

Spin it our way! Would there be interpretive dance (or maybe the moonwalk - despite what others think, it is a pretty cool dance move ;) ).

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

What are you waiting for?!

Rewrite your story, one laugh, one tear, one cheer at a time. And just like Roy slapping the meatball right out of Jamie Tartt's hand (sorry Sam!), don't wait to start... make it happen!

📚Beard’s collection: 

📖 Sinek, Simon. The Infinite Game. Portfolio, 2019.

If life’s a pitch, this book’s your playbook. Sinek reminds us that leadership—and life—isn’t about crossing a finish line; it’s about staying in the game, growing the team, and playing with heart. Just like Ted, it's about lacing up for the long haul (and maybe doing a little dance on the sideline while you're at it).

📖 Adams, Scott. How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life. Portfolio, 2014.

Think you have to win every match to make it? Nah. Adams shows that tripping over your own shoelaces (sometimes spectacularly) can still lead you to something brilliant. It's a reminder that life's a blooper reel—and that’s exactly what makes it worth watching (and living).

📖 Godin, Seth. The Practice: Shipping Creative Work. Portfolio, 2020.
Want to keep showing up like Ted after a rough match? Godin’s your coach. This book champions the idea that success isn’t a scoreboard—it's the steady drumbeat of showing up, playing hard, and trusting the process. Believe in the work, and the wins will find you.

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

We had such a good time chatting with Mark at Peak Performance World. Nick and Marnie are both curious why and how this 5 year old photo of Marnie landed on the podcast and Nick MIA, but that's business for you.

Happy Spring everyone! See you next week,
Nick & Marnie