#432 How to Stand Up For Yourself, with Dr. Sunita Sah

How often do you say "yes" when you really want to say "no"? If you've ever felt that way, you're not alone! Today, we're diving into what happens when you stand up to someone in all areas of life—work, relationships, even healthcare. My guest is the incredible Dr. Sunita Sah, an award-winning professor at Cornell and author of Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes. Dr. Sah's research focuses on why so many of us feel pressured to go along with things we don't believe in and how we can cultivate the courage to say "no" when it matters most. In this episode, you'll learn how social norms and "insinuation anxiety" hold us back from standing up for our true selves. You’ll walk away with the confidence to take small, powerful steps toward defiance in a way that feels authentic and empowering. Timestamps 00:22 - Meet Dr. Sunita Sah: Her Story of Transformation 00:47 - The Psychology of Compliance and Defiance 01:31 - Defying Social Pressures: Real-Life Stories 02:07 - Why Compliance in the Workplace Hurts Us All 07:37 - A Fresh Take on Defiance: It’s Not What You Think 10:11 - The Social Roots of Compliance 17:51 - Facing the Inner Blocks to Standing Up for Yourself 25:32 - Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Defiance Muscle 33:23 - Living Authentically: The Real Benefits of Saying No 45:02 - Wrapping Up: Your Takeaways and Resources Having low self esteem can make it hard to stand up for yourself. Is this true for you? Find out by taking my free Self Esteem Quiz! You’ll find out where your self esteem thrives and discover new areas for growth. Take it here. And, join me for a live Q&A this Thursday at 12 pm MT on YouTube, where we'll be talking all about self-advocacy. Want to submit a question anonymously? Use this link PS: Think of someone who could use a boost in self-advocacy? Share this episode with them, and let’s help each other live authentically! ❤️