What is a Crabs in a Bucket Mentality?
Great question.
This mentality, also known as ‘crabs in the bucket,’ is a metaphor that describes a person’s pattern of thinking specifically to how one tries to either hinder the success of another or undermine one’s achievement by finding faults and flaws in the other person’s win.
People with a crab mentality often think that if they can’t have something, neither can other people. Just like a bucket full of crabs — some will try to climb up to freedom, but the others left behind will pull them down.
Sounding familiar?
Today, I want to share with you 7 Tips on how to deal with people who have the ‘crabs in a bucket’ mentality.
These people may or may not be part of your business, but that doesn’t make them any less challenging to deal with.
In some cases, these people may also be the ones referred to as negative Nancy or Debbie Downer. Unfortunately, regardless of your level of success, they exist. These tips will apply to;
- the newest network marketer,
- the seasoned leaders and,
- even those instances of these crabs outside of the industry altogether.
7 Tips on Dealing with the Crabs in a Bucket
Maintain your Optimism, your Zest, your Passion
When faced with these crabs, it can often cause anxiety and self-doubt. However, it’s a natural response to stressful situations involving other people. Luckily, you can ‘fight back. We’re sure you’re wondering how right? Just stay genuine and think positively. And if there are times when you can’t find a single piece of optimism, look back and remember why you started. Plug into supportive communities or accountability partners. Fighting negative with negative never wins.
Be Authentically you
You don’t have to please everyone, and you don’t have to change who you are just to be accepted by others. However, staying true to what you are and focusing on your goals without minding others’ opinions will boost your self-confidence and posture and help you become a better person for the right people.
Appreciate a Small Circle
Find the right people and love them. You don’t have to face everything alone (and shouldn’t), and having good friends and support systems will remind you to be strong, be yourself and not give up. This is the best coat of armor against the crabs, which may not value your time, worth, or you.
Be in Love with what you do
Sometimes you will feel tired, rejected, or let down because of what others do and say ‘about’ you. However, you don’t have to throw yourself a pity party and invite in self-doubt just because some people aren’t happy about what you have achieved. The best response to haters and crabs is simple.
I love what you do. Celebrate your successes – big and small. Don’t just show it; live it. Walk your talk.
Let your Success, Brand, and Consistency Speak for Itself
People with crabs in a bucket mentality often seek out hardworking entrepreneurs who truly deserve their success. Unfortunately, although not confirmed, their words may hurt you or those you care about.
But remember this; your success will naturally protect you from these toxic people. You don’t have to do anything. Just do what you must do and let your accomplishments do the talking. Keep on, keeping on.
Keep Setting the Right Example
Are you familiar with the quote ‘take the stones that other people throw at you and use them to build a monument?
You don’t have to throw rocks at people who have been throwing pebbles at you. Instead, continue to lead, be a good example, and counter negativity with your optimism. Be a good example even to others who disapprove of your success; be a great example to those who are lost in their insecurities, and teach them how to handle pressure with grace.
When you demonstrate this posture and perseverance, those ‘following’ you will too.
You will Stumble, maybe even Fail – but Learn to Accept it’s Part of the Journey
No matter how successful you are, there will always be a time when you’ll experience failure and people with crabs in a bucket mentality will use every opportunity to say things like ‘I told you so. Or, they linger to pull you down – to a lower place of failure.
Should you let them win? No, of course not. You already know the answer to that.
What you need to remember, however, is this; failure is a vital part of success. Failure and how you deal with it will determine how strong you and your ‘why’ are.
Have faith in yourself and believe that all things are possible.
Stand up. It’s never too late to start again.
Some Final Thoughts …
Don’t be one.
Be the person who sets the better example.
Revisit the basics — Solidify why you are doing this. Because, when you are passionate about something, and your belief is at an all-time high, you won’t even notice the crabs.
It’s as though it’s a natural repellent.
However, when that self-doubt or negativity creeps in, it will have a ton of company – and guess what? They are not invited!
I would love your thoughts or tips on dealing with those crabs and what ignoring or avoiding them has done for your business or (even) your life.
