The “Bundle of Horridness”:
Back in 1907, a new menace faced society, one that threatened to unravel the very fabric of civilization:
[cue dramatic music]
The Teddy Bear.
The popular toy, named after Teddy Roosevelt (after he refused to shoot a bear in the wild –another great story), had been created for little boys to play with, but was becoming more and more popular with little girls.
The problem?
There was a fear that girls, abandoning their human-like dolls, would lose their “mothering instinct," and civilization would eventually come to an end.
[cue panic music]
One preacher inveighed in the newspaper against making “future-women” chuck their desire to raise babies for "…these bundles of horridness, the most harmful and repulsive of nature fakes ever perpetrated.”
Behold, the Harbinger of Doom.
I weirdly find comfort knowing that hyperbolic projections in the media aren't a new thing. They didn't start with the growth of cable news; they're an ongoing part of our History.
What I also take from the “Teddy Bear Menace” is that as humans, we can be appallingly bad at predicting the future.
–In business, that can show up as obsessing over the wrong risks, or stalling out while waiting for certainty that's never coming.
Does that mean that you should throw up your hands and “wait and see” what happens this year?
No way.
Intentionality wins.
Even if you don't know what the future holds, you can take the reins, step into the leader-role, and be intentional about what you want to make happen in the coming year.
I can help you with this:
a) For executives and leaders, we can do a power-hour or custom package to explore your intentions & goals for the year, map out how to apply your strengths, boost your growing-edges, and release what needs to be let go so you can make this year a turning point in your leadership. Schedule a Clarity Call with me to learn more.
c) For solopreneurs, I’ve updated my Soulful Solopreneur Reflection & Planning workbook for 2026, and I have a few spots open for in-depth, 1-1 business coaching clients. Schedule a Clarity Call now to discuss how I can help you & your business thrive.
In the meantime, squeeze your Teddy Bear anytime you're worried about the future –and remember that those fears may be a sign that you're on the verge of something great.
–Just ask Teddy.
To your success,
Jane