What Does "Borrowed Fire" Mean?

Among the colorful cast of "Ted Lasso," Jamie Tartt stands out as the character who undergoes the most significant transformation. For those unfamiliar with the show, Ted Lasso is an American college football coach who is hired to lead a Premier League team in London, where Jamie Tartt, a talented but egotistical player, is his star.

By the end of the first season, it becomes evident that Jamie, despite his inflated ego, is not simply immature; rather, he is driven by a deep-seated need for his father’s validation. Jamie's father is loud, demanding, and emotionally needy, which complicates Jamie's journey.

In Season 3, an intriguing development occurs: Jamie’s father is absent from the stands during a match. This absence profoundly affects Jamie's performance, leading him to tell a teammate, "I feel like I’ve lost my wings, Roy!" Without his father's influence to ignite his passion, Jamie’s inner fire begins to extinguish. To complete his growth and truly excel, Jamie must confront the reality that he has been borrowing his fire all along. He needs to learn how to ignite his own flame and seek his own approval.

The Shared Journey of All Characters

Every primary character in "Ted Lasso" is on their own journey of discovering what it means to have their own fire. The theme of father-son relationships is prominent, but the overarching narrative across all three seasons can be distilled into one concept: borrowed fire.

Ted

Ted struggles with unresolved trauma from his father, which drives much of his optimistic demeanor. His desire to avoid becoming like his father fuels his relentless positivity, but it also leads to his self-sacrifice.

Rebecca

Initially, Rebecca hires Ted as a means of revenge against her ex-husband, whose legacy she seeks to undermine. Her journey involves reclaiming her identity beyond her quest for vengeance, leading her to rediscover her true self.

Keeley

Keeley embodies the struggle of defining herself outside her romantic relationships. Her journey involves recognizing her inherent fire and learning to embrace it.

Roy

Roy has spent his life immersed in football, which clouds his self-identity. His retirement forces him to embark on a quest to discover what truly motivates him moving forward.

Nate

Nate's hunger for validation leads him to make questionable choices, and he must eventually reconcile with his true self, free from the expectations of others.

Recognizing the Perils of Borrowed Fire

Borrowed fire can manifest as a dangerous misalignment in your life. This misalignment occurs when your desires are influenced by external pressures rather than your authentic self. For creatives, this is particularly perilous, as it can lead to a disconnect between who you are and who you think you should be.

You may find yourself chasing elusive approval, whether through accolades that never arrive or accolades from people whose opinions you value. Unfortunately, the longer you borrow fire, the more it consumes you, until you realize that the only validation you truly need comes from within.

The Impact of Borrowed Fire on Creativity

Here are five ways borrowed fire can show up in your creative journey:

1. Fear of Criticism

   You might stick to safe subjects that lack inspiration. Write about what challenges you, even if you choose not to share it. This practice expands your creative range and builds resilience.

2. Desire for Validation

   Chasing superficial metrics for affirmation can distract you from your true motivations. Reflect on the reasons you create, and celebrate every small milestone along the way.

3. Avoidance of Rejection

   The fear of rejection may prevent you from taking risks. Understand that rejection is part of the creative process and a sign that you are pushing your boundaries.

4. Pursuit of Perfection

   Striving for perfection often stems from external expectations. Set manageable goals to encourage progress, and remember that perfection is an illusion.

5. Fear of Success

   Success can feel intimidating, as it may bring unwanted changes. Redefine success in terms of small victories to make it less daunting.