Crabs are instinctive creatures. They are lured into crab traps by bait. Crab traps can be round or square, they have one entrance, and the bait is usually fastened in the middle. The entrance remains open, to allow more crabs to wander in and feast upon the bait before being dragged from the depths of the ocean to face their fate.
But’s here’s the interesting fact about the whole process……the crabs could wander out at any time before the trap is hauled!!
So why don’t they? Well, if there is just one crab in a trap, there is a very high chance that the crab will eat it’s fill of bait and then just wander out again. But if another crab comes in …..and this is the interesting part – should one crab try to escape, the other will pull it back in – thus sealing the fates of both of them.
And so human nature can be a reflection of the trapped crabs. Misery loves company, and so does mediocrity.
How many times have you attempted something new, just for friends and acquaintances to criticise, or advise against it? How many times have you shared a dream or idea, hoping for encouragement and support, but were disappointed? And worse still, how many times have you listened?
Most people stay within their comfort zone their whole life. They may start out with big dreams, and passion and purpose, but so often the fear of failure prevents these dreams and great potential from being realised. They redefine “success” down a few (or many!) notches, and take the easy route – eat the easy bait – and settle into their comfort zone. And, sometimes without even realising it, they encourage their nearest and dearest to share the same fate.
Because breaking out of that trap can be unsettling – you may have to hunt a little harder, there may not be food, there may be stormy weather, there may be unforeseen predators….maybe, maybe, maybe……..but staying in the trap has a certain ending. Your fate is sealed.
So, escape before it’s too late!
Be the crab that leaves the trap of mediocrity.
Don’t be a crab that tries to discourage others from seeking their freedom
Remind all crabs that the entrance of the trap is open…….you can all leave at any time!!
