I imagine you are asking yourself, “Where is she going with this title?” I will explain. Recently, I found out an interesting fact. Did you know if you catch one crab and put him in a bucket, you will have to cover the bucket or he will simply climb out of the bucket? Now, for the interesting part. If you put more than one crab in a bucket, you don’t have to cover them. If one crab tries to climb out of the bucket, the remaining crabs will drag him back down into the bucket. The crabs refuse to let another crab succeed.
Do you have crabs in your life? Do you have that “crabby” person who will always sow a seed of doubt no matter what goal you are working toward? As I have shared, I am working toward getting into better shape. I have shared this goal with my friends and those who have read my article. I am amazed by all of the different responses I get from people. I have run into my fair share of crabs. If someone has a goal, even if it is a simple, almost insignificant goal, why would another sow discord? In my humble opinion, people feel like they are failing even by not trying. To see someone else try and possibly succeed makes them feel even worse.
I know this truly makes no sense; however, more than once I have been told I don’t need to get into shape. Why would someone tell me my goal is pointless? It is my goal. Why would it upset them so if I accomplish it? Why are they a crab? How should I react? I have decided I will shake off crabs trying to pull me back into the mediocre bucket of life. I will run past them on my way to the gym, and I will not give them the acknowledgment when they bring me cookies or cakes as a “gift.” I know what they are truly doing.
What to do when you are dealing with the crabs in your life. I have made a very specific point to take notice how people react to my proclamation of goals. I have been very careful who I hold myself accountable to when sharing my goals. For example, if you share your goal of going back to school with someone, measure their response. Someone who offers a letter of recommendation or tells you of a great book they used to study for their ACT, would not be considered a crab. The crab in your life, may say something like, “Why? I have never used my degree. It was a waste of time and money.” Beware of this crab. I hope, when sharing your goals and establishing your accountability circle, you do not encounter crabs in your life; however, just in case you do, you will be ready to recognize them. I know you can do it. Congratulations on taking on such an awesome challenge and get ready to work hard. Just remember it will be worth it. As Wally Amos said, “It doesn't matter how many say it cannot be done or how many people have tried it before; it's important to realize whatever you're doing, it's your first attempt at it.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Do You Have Crabs in Your Life?