Why Being a Goldfish from "Ted Lasso" is Such Good Advice

In the world of self-help, sports psychology, and personal growth, it’s not often that we find profound wisdom coming from a TV comedy. Yet, *Ted Lasso* has delivered plenty of life lessons, and one of the most memorable is, “Be a goldfish.

But what does this phrase actually mean, and why is it such good advice?

The Context of "Be a Goldfish"

In the show, Ted Lasso, an American football coach hired to manage an English soccer team, gives this simple advice to one of his players, Sam Obisanya, after a rough moment on the field. Ted says, “You know what the happiest animal on Earth is? It’s a goldfish. You know why? It’s got a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish.”

At first glance, it may seem like Ted is telling Sam to forget about his mistakes, but the message goes deeper. Ted is encouraging Sam to let go of negative emotions tied to failure, learn from the experience, and move forward—quickly. 

Here's why that advice is so powerful:

 1. "Prevents Dwelling on Failure"

We all make mistakes, and in high-pressure environments like sports or life, these mistakes can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s a bad pass on the soccer field or a misstep at work, it’s easy to dwell on what went wrong. But the more we obsess over failure, the more it clouds our ability to perform in the present. 

By “being a goldfish,” Ted is advocating for a mindset shift. Instead of ruminating over past mistakes, we should take a page from the (alleged) short-memory goldfish and let go of what we can’t change. The result? We free ourselves to focus on what’s next, rather than getting stuck in the past.

2."Fosters a Growth Mindset"

A growth mindset, as defined by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work, learning, and perseverance. Being a goldfish aligns with this mindset because it encourages you to see failure as a stepping stone rather than a roadblock.

By letting go of mistakes, you’re giving yourself permission to learn from them without being bogged down by them. This shift allows you to see challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than as permanent marks of inadequacy. 

When we keep looking forward instead of backward, we become more open to learning from our experiences and less afraid to take risks.

 3. "Supports Mental Health"

Modern life is stressful. From career challenges to personal struggles, the pressures we face can take a toll on our mental health. Dwelling on past mistakes only adds to this weight, potentially leading to anxiety, stress, or depression.

The advice to “be a goldfish” promotes emotional resilience by reminding us that it’s okay to let go. In fact, it’s essential. Carrying the emotional baggage of every misstep can cloud our judgment and lead to burnout. By adopting a short memory for failures, we lighten our mental load, creating space for clarity, positivity, and emotional well-being.

In many ways, this simple phrase is a reminder of the power of mindfulness. By living in the present moment and not ruminating on the past, we protect our mental health and maintain a clearer, more positive mindset.

4. "Boosts Confidence"

Confidence is key to success, whether you’re on the soccer field, in the boardroom, or simply navigating day-to-day life. But confidence is fragile, easily shaken by mistakes and perceived failures. The longer we focus on these moments, the more our self-belief can erode.

Being a goldfish allows us to regain confidence faster. By choosing to forget the mistake and move on, we give ourselves the chance to perform with renewed energy and self-assurance. It's a mental reset that enables us to approach the next challenge with optimism and composure.

How to “Be a Goldfish” in Your Own Life

It’s one thing to understand the concept; it’s another to practice it. Here are some practical tips to bring this mindset into your life:

Acknowledge the Mistake, then Move On: It’s important to recognize when you’ve made a mistake, but once you’ve learned from it, let it go. Dwelling doesn’t serve you.

Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness exercises like meditation can help you stay in the present moment, making it easier to let go of past regrets.

Use Positive Self-Talk: When negative thoughts arise, counter them with positive affirmations. Remind yourself that a single mistake doesn’t define you.

Adopt a Solution-Oriented Attitude: Focus on what you can do next, rather than what you did wrong. Channel your energy into the solution, not the problem.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Goldfish Mindset

Ted Lasso’s advice may seem lighthearted, but it holds profound wisdom. By adopting the mindset of a goldfish, we can let go of our mistakes, embrace a growth mindset, support our mental well-being, and boost our confidence. Whether you're facing a tough situation at work, a personal challenge, or a sporting setback, being a goldfish can help you bounce back faster and stronger.

So next time life throws a curveball your way, remember: Be a goldfish. Let go, reset, and swim on.