We in Shaklee can be very, very arrogant. Seriously. No joke.
We can also be very big-hearted, which is often how we rationalize the arrogance. After all, we are only trying to help, right?
Now before everyone gets all indignant, let’s consider the definition of arrogance:
“Offensive display of superiority or self-importance; overbearing pride.” ~ Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary
Overbearing pride. Yep, that’s what happens when we know we can help someone. Whether they asked us or not, we begin to tell them, in great detail, how Shaklee is different and what they should do. We call it “fire-hosing.” It’s why, when I first started learning more about the Shaklee Difference and talked about it every chance I got, my mom literally asked if I’d joined a cult. (Note to Faceb
ook over sharers: Multiple daily posts promoting your business is the digital equivalent of fire-hosing. It’s also a good way to get blocked.)
Of course, our intentions are most always in the best interest of the other. It’s the methodology that is the problem. Actually, I take that back. It’s the lack of awareness. (BTW, I may be talking about this in the context of Shaklee, but this concept applies to all interactions or relationships.)
How about we give up our arrogance and frustration? How about we stop trying to convince others that Shaklee is the best and look for people who are ready to have Shaklee in their lives?
“But I know this could help.” I don’t care how magnanimous the motivation is, anytime we think we know better, we are forcing our own opinions. This is the problem in politics. No one is listening to anything other than the sound of their own agenda.
Give up the debate. It is a clear sign we are forcing our own agenda instead of hearing theirs.
We get so frustrated, don’t we? We put our attention on figuring out what to say. How do I handle their objection(s)? How do I get this person to SEE that we have the answer?
We don’t.
Anytime any of this is going on for us – debating, frustration, fear, worry, strategizing on the perfect thing to say – any of these is a clear indication that we are operating on our own agenda and not listening for theirs. Overcoming objections isn’t about convincing someone that Shaklee is the best. Real success is about figuring out if, at this moment, Shaklee is the best for them.
Freedom comes from focusing on having a conversation rather than getting them to say yes.
If I am truly detached from the outcome then I can truly help because I am listening for their needs, not trying to meet mine. Freedom comes from letting go of our agendas and what we think we know.
Whatever we push against pushes back. When we give up 
defending our position and receive the person in front of us instead, the results that come back are pretty darn amazing. By letting go of our agenda, our need to be right, we free people to come towards us. Unfortunately, we can be blind to how firmly we are planted in them. The key is to catch ourselves in the act of holding on. That is the hard part. Agendas are insidious. It takes practice to see and get off them, but that, my friends, is the cure for frustration.
