Crab-in-the-bucket syndrome

Support is an amazing thing when you have it but similarly lack of support or people who are bent on keeping you where you are can cripple you. It is called the Crab in the Bucket syndrome. If you were to go with a bucket to the beach to catch crabs you will need a lid for the first two you catch, as they will try climbing out. Once you catch your third one, however, you will not need a lid at all. Strange as it may seem once there are three or more the others will try pull it back if one tries to climb out. This dynamic can be seen in our relationships quite clearly. Some relationships are very supportive of our desire to change while others would rather we stay as we are rather than shake things up. The fear of those holding you back is often that if you can change then so could they. 

Richard Riche is a Communication trainer, Motivational speaker and Self-esteem trainer
For more information about building a Dynamic foundation of Self-Esteem please go to http://www.emotionalpictures.co.za/