The Genius Life 456: How Mastering Saying No Can Simplify and Improve Your Life | Sunita Sah, MD PhD
12 snips
Jan 20, 2025 
Dr. Sunita Sah, a psychologist and behavioral scientist at Cornell University, explores the art of saying no and its profound impact on personal well-being. She discusses the societal pressures that hinder assertiveness, reflecting on the psychology of compliance versus defiance. The conversation touches on the historical roots of these behaviors and emphasizes the necessity for transparency in healthcare, particularly regarding conflicts of interest. Sunita empowers listeners with strategies for healthier relationships through informed decision-making and the courage to dissent.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Difficulty Saying No
- Saying "no" is often difficult due to social conditioning that equates obedience with goodness.
- Complying is often our default response, making it hard to say "no" even when needed.
Steelers Onesies
- Sunita Sah felt pressured to conform when her child's daycare suggested Steelers onesies.
- Her lighthearted anecdote highlights the pressure to conform, even in trivial situations.
Evolutionary Incentive for Compliance
- Social pressure and the desire for harmony contribute to compliance, even against better judgment.
- There may be an evolutionary basis for this, rooted in the benefits of group membership.
