Crabs in a bucket

Crabs in a bucket or more popularly known as the crab mentality is a metaphor used to explain the behavior of people who go by the motto “if I can’t have it, neither can you.”

It is the conscious or subconscious act of people who pull others down once they see them advancing.

Just like a single crab in a bucket that attempts to crawl its way to the top, the true phenomenon of the rest of the crabs pulling it back down is very often attributed to the way people behave with one another in their everyday lives.

While many may not be aware that every time we gossip, speak poorly and bite at each other, we behave very much like crabs in a bucket impeding the advancement of others.

If we really think about it however, a person with such a mentality is one that cannot think long term and be constructive.

Long term and constructive thinking are two very important components of progress.

It is what enables us to respond rather than react.

Responding helps us find solutions and place value on other people’s time and perspective.

Responding to life situations including our environment is a proactive approach that combines everyone’s strengths and skills.

While crabs in a bucket pull each other down in a useless “I’m the king of the Hill” struggle, finding solutions and thinking long term get everyone to the top.

The challenge in reality is knowing one’s self. It is here that we learn to yield when needed and move forward when it is time.

If we build on ourselves, we become more open to others and openness allows us to respond rather than react. After all, we are human beings part of one community and not a bunch of crabs in a bucket.