Crab mentality, also known as crab theory, crabs in a bucket (also barrel, basket, or pot) mentality, or the crab-bucket effect, is a way of thinking best described by the phrase “if I can’t have it, neither can you”. The metaphor is derived from a pattern of behavior noted in crabs when they are trapped in a bucket.

The crab mentality is a bad habit that hinders a person’s growth, and awareness is the first step. Getting rid of it means to act in consideration of the people involved in his team, allies, and countrymen. It also means to work in unison and compromisation.

In the same manner, human beings would want to better their circumstances, but they are prevented by others who do not want them to be successful. This type of thinking is referred to as crab mentality or crab in the bucket mentality caused by envy and jealousy.

Filipinos tend to possess this mentality especially when they feel insecure. In a way, crab mentality also promotes an unhealthy competition. Instead of doing things that could help one to develop and become better than his competitors, Filipinos devote so much of their time gossiping and back-biting.

So-called “crab mentality” is based on the concept of crabs in a bucket. In the workplace, crab mentality manifests in people who don’t like others excelling, and who will covertly or overtly do things to prevent that from happening. As you may guess, crab mentality is detrimental to a team or a business.

Crab mentality simply refers to a person’s behaviour of undermining or sabotaging anyone who succeeds or shows potential for success greater than their own. The one filled with crabs holds your attention a little longer than the others — there’s something going on other than their predetermined plate — I mean, fate.

growth mindset

The metaphor is derived from a pattern of behavior noted in crabs when they are trapped in a bucket. While any one crab could easily escape, its efforts will be undermined by others, ensuring the group’s collective demise.

The following are 7 ways to help us overcome crab mentality in our country and in ourselves.

1. Admit it.
2. Open your mind and know other people better.
3. Understand that helping others is also helping yourself.
4. Realize that crab mentality is a mentality.
5. “Trust is the glue of life.
6. Be cheerful.
7. Be a leader.

Crab mentality is a widely used term in the Philippines given to Filipinos who always try to pull down other Filipinos who are succeeding in life and getting ahead of them. This trait is not unusual to us, as it’s actually one of the common bad habits of many Filipinos. People with crab mentality are everywhere.

These are the most “mature” and effective ways to deal with people with a crab mentality.

1. Let your success speak for itself.
2. Be optimistic.
3. Keep doing what you’re doing.
4. Be yourself.
5. Be a good example.
6. Love what you do.
7. Accept failure as part of the process.
8. Value good friendships.

Kanya-Kanya Syndrome. Filipinos have a selfish, self-serving attitude that generates a feeling of envy and competitiveness towards others, particularly one’s peers, who seem to have gained some status or prestige. There is a tendency in the Filipino to be superficial and even somewhat flighty.

Hence, it is a weak character because it results to national inferiority that makes it difficult for Filipinos to relate as equals to Westerners. Kanya-kanya syndrome demonstrates itself in the so-called crab mentality using the leveling instrument of gossips and unconstructive criticisms to bring others down.

Definition for the Tagalog word kanya-kanya: kanya-kanyá [pronoun] his or her own; each; each one; individually; his/her respective; each their own.

Lack of self-esteem is another factor that leads to lack of self discipline. Procrastination is another reason of lack of self discipline. Lack of willpower, motivation and ambition are also causes for lack of self discipline. A weak state of health might also lead to weakness of this important ability.

One of the reasons we don’t have self-discipline is because we run from the hard, uncomfortable things. We would rather do the easy, comfortable, familiar things. So instead of facing our hard, uncomfortable projects or finances, we run to distractions, videos, games. This running from discomfort is ruining our lives.

Explanation: In fact, failure to discipline children often results in kids who are unhappy, angry, and even resentful. To those around them, a child who is not disciplined will be unpleasant company, and a child without discipline may find it difficult to make friends.

6 Small Things You Can Do When You Lack Discipline

1. Forgive yourself. You aren’t perfect.
2. Realize that discipline is an illusion. While discipline is a common concept, it doesn’t actually exist.
3. Focus on motivation. What’s your motivation for pursuing the goal or habit?
4. Make it easy.
5. Focus on enjoyment.
6. Repeat.

How to Train Your Self-Control Muscle (And Improve Willpower)

1. Exercise daily. Thousands of people promise themselves they will exercise every day.
2. Feed your brain the right food.
3. Develop your own reward system.
4. Train your willpower, but don’t overdo it.
5. Work on your stress levels.
6. Set realistic goals.

7 Simple ways to improve your self-discipline

1. Countdown, then take action.
2. Put your goals where you can see them every day.
3. Remind yourself why you started.
4. Set small goals first.
5. Practice prioritizing.
6. Know your weaknesses.
7. Get friends to hold you accountable.

undisciplined

Some people have a higher capacity for self-control. Such people often also have a stronger need to feel in control and have a higher expectation of control. These kinds of people tend to be focused, organized, planful, goal-directed, attentive to detail, careful, responsible, patient, persistent, and highly motivated.

Build Self-Discipline in 10 Days

1. Day 1: Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.
2. Day 2: Take one step at a time.
3. Day 3: Get motivated.
4. Day 4: Make a plan.
5. Day 5: Change your mind.
6. Day 6: Make it public.
7. Day 7: Start small.
8. Day 8: Empower yourself through change.

There are different types of misbehavior and each requires a specific treatment or discipline method to be used. According the book, Building Classroom Discipline: Sixth Edition; there are three types of discipline, (1) preventive, (2) supportive and (3) corrective.

1. Have something to lose for. Make list of what you’ve lost thus far by being the way you are right now.
2. Honestly prepare comparision of your ideal self and what you are now.
3. Analyse what can be done to become that ideal self today.
4. Learn some meditation as it helps in bridg.

Sometimes you might put too much pressure on yourself without realizing it. Being too hard on yourself can cause you to feel mental and physical stress. Some signs you’re being too hard on yourself include engaging in negative self-talk or having trouble sleeping.

Stand firm on your goal without trying to go to the extreme of being too control conscious. If you find yourself making excuses, then it’s time to step back and re-evaluate if your goal is really important. Avoid distractions. They will make your life more difficult.

Under extreme cases, you are also at the risk of losing your confidence. Being strict about yourself implies you have a vision of what you can be in future and you have an understanding of what you are today. It starts pricking you that you are no where near your ideal self and you work hard.