BY: CHARLENE SHELMIRE
“Who do you think you are?”
“Stay in your lane.”
“You can’t do that!”
“If I can’t have it, then nobody can!”
We have all heard statements like these from those in our social circles. These statements can be applied to the metaphor known as the “crab-in-a-barrel” mentality.
The group member, for example, shares their goals and dreams with the other members. But, the group believes the ambitious person needs to be “taken down a peg or two.”
Why?
Because the group feels that the goals and dreams of the ambitious members are unattainable. Furthermore, the group views it as a disruption and will fight to maintain the status quo.
What does this question, "Who do you think you are convey to the listener? It says:
- “It will never come to fruition.”
- “You don’t have what it takes.”
- “You’re just fantasizing.”
- “Get that notion out of your head and stop fantasizing.”
- “You’re a loser and an idiot who can’t do anything right.”
- “Your plans have failed before, so maybe you’re not cut out for it.”
- “You need to 'get your head out of the clouds' and return to planet Earth.
- You will never make it, and you won’t go far.”
- You lack the skills, talent, and resources to accomplish your goal.”
- You are not skilled enough to accomplish those things.”
- “Nobody in the family has done that before; who are you kidding?”
- “You want to do what? Are you nuts? What planet are you on?”
So, how should you react to the question, “Who do you think you are?”
Don’t react angrily, but use it to confirm that you’re on the right track. The negative words of skeptics must be taken with a “grain of salt.”
Innovators, as great as they are, have never escaped resistance from those doubters who aren’t progressive. They’ve never needed permission; they were just brave enough to move forward.
Innovators, as great as they are, have never escaped resistance from those doubters who aren’t progressive. They’ve never needed permission; they were just brave enough to move forward.
The same goes for the ambitious person with goals and dreams. There’s no need to seek permission or approval from your social circle to proceed.
Just get started and propel forward! Don’t allow fear of criticism or rejection to deter you from the path of achievement. Stay firm on your journey because it takes courage to do what has never been done.
And, focus, focus, focus! That’s what it takes to ignore the noise.
“What noise? You may ask.”
The noise of angry chatter from naysayers that insist, “It can’t be done,” and “Even if it could be done, you’re not the one qualified to do it.”
The crab-in-the-barrel mentality question, “Who do you think you are?” is essentially a put-down by those who can’t fathom stepping out of the position they’ve permanently placed themselves into.
They inhabit their comfort zones — the crab barrel. The very barrel they’ve attempted to pull you back into— the place where you belong.
Why?
Because they believe you are “one of them.” The group that’s satisfied with being stagnant and afraid to approach challenges.
This group will rest snugly in their plush beds of slothfulness, and mediocrity. And, usually maintains a “what if” negative mindset.
Of course, you could be labeled “one of them” because you share some commonalities. But, your mindset sets you apart from them.
What kind of mindset?
A go-getter’s mindset that says, “I believe I can do better, and I will do better because I’ve got the stock to do so.”
Finally, react by accomplishing all your goals and dreams so that you’ll be able to confidently answer this question:
“Who do you think you are?”