I’m sure you’ve heard the story of the crabs in the pot. While an individual crab could easily climb out of the pot on its own, when there are several crabs in the pot, no one can escape, because any one who tries to climb out is pulled back in by the other crabs.
What does this have to do with your success? Whenever people start to make improvements to themselves or to their situation, negative people around them start to pull them back down. They might mock the work you are doing, the goals you have set, or in some other way, try to sabotage your progress.
As you begin to make positive changes in your life, be aware of the “crabs.” Don’t listen to their negativity. Believe in yourself and connect with others who believe in you. I’ve heard it said that if someone doesn’t laugh at your goals, you didn’t set them high enough. Choose to listen to the positive voices and avoid the “crabs” – you’ll be able to climb to the heights you only imagined were possible.
David Hall, M.Ed. is a speaker, author, and host of the Quiet and Strong Podcast, where he interviews thought leaders, creatives, and professionals who help introverts thrive. With over 25 years in higher education, David has led workshops, trainings, and presentations on productivity, personality, and introversion. His mission is to help introverts honor their needs, understand their strengths, and succeed on their own terms. He is the author of Minding Your Time: Time Management, Productivity, and Success, Especially for Introverts and a passionate advocate for creating work environments where introverts can do their best work.
