Climbing to the top of the bucket.

- by Frank F. Lunn

Crabs in a bucket together will usually find a way to coexist.  There is usually not a problem until a crab attempts to climb out of the crab-in-a-bucket community.  What prevents this exodus?  The other crabs will pull the first and any subsequent jail breaker back down into the bucket. 

Unfortunately, sometimes our base human nature wants company in misery.  If crabs were smart and understood the synergy of their dynamic, they could easily all escape.  Instead of helping one get out to then assist the others, they engage in cheap crab-community bickering and politics aimed at keeping the crab status quo.  I may be carrying this a little far, but hopefully you get the picture.

Similar to crabs, people often view the success of others as being left behind to fight for survival in both their corporate and personal world.  Keeping bits and pieces of ideas, information, and insights tightly locked away in the depths of their brain, they secure their place defensively waiting for that perfect moment when they will pull them out like a trump card passing up the other players in the game of life. 

The more cards they have stored away, the safer or more powerful they think they’ll be.  They aren’t foolish enough to be left behind.  They will hold their place and make sure the people around them stay too.  And while those cards help someone survive in a culture where information and ideas are often used as a game winning hand, long term it is the same behavior that will hold them back from reaching their goals.

The stereotypical definition of success is influence and affluence in order to yield power.  Well the definition is changing!  The STACK Strategy is based upon achieving success as you define it.  Again, AS YOU DEFINE IT!  So you have stockpiled some money and people constantly have to pump you for your input and ideas.  Doesn’t sound like success to me.  What does it equal?  You will be forever remembered as an untrustworthy person who is difficult to work with. 

The new definition of success is upon us!  Although it is different for everyone, having influence and affluence, while being remembered fondly as the wise and generous pioneer of your day is popular.  Think of the co-authors of the greatest book you ever read.  Collaborating ideas and theory, these co-authors yield an honest, informative and inspiring collection of their knowledge and then generously published it for the whole world to see. 

Did this action drag them to social and financial ruin?  No, their collaboration and publication generated an entire army of support and promotion.  People walk around talking about the brilliance of their work passing it to co-workers, family and friends with their highest recommendation and praise.  You see, openly sharing your ideas, thoughts and insights in collaboration with others yields greater creativity and results than you would ever achieve alone.  Do not fear sharing your brilliance with others.  Fear never having shared how smart and creative you truly are.  Hold on to those cards too long, and the opportunity to play them may pass you by. 

Last month I gave you some questions to help you define your goals.  This month is about the first steps to achieving them.  Find someone who has successfully achieved the goal set before you and learn from their knowledge.  Share your secretes of success with others and climb to the top of your bucket.

Frank F. Lunn is an expert in leadership, marketing and small business entrepreneurship. Frank is the author of Stack the Logs! - Building a Success Framework to Reach Your Dreams and "Carpe Aqualis!" Seize the Wave - 7 Essential Surfing Skills to Revolutionize Your Business and Personal Life. Please visit KahunaPower.com to find additional motivating articles and success building tips by Frank. 

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