The Hidden Cost of Being Too Nice: Why People-Pleasing is Silently Killing Your Success | Scott Barry Kaufman
Dave Asprey
Mar 18, 2025
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Choose curiosity to conquer fear in stressful situations
You can overcome fear in a stressful situation by consciously choosing to be curious about what is happening, as curiosity and fear are competing states.
Learn hopefulness to overcome default helplessness
Contrary to the famous "learned helplessness" theory, recent research shows helplessness is the default human state, and hopefulness is what must be learned.
Accept wisdom to move forward from the past
A key to moving forward is accepting the wisdom in Irving Yalom's quote: "Sooner or later you have to give up all hope for a better past.".
Use TrueDark glasses to enhance sleep quality through brainwave modulation
TrueDark clinical-grade sleep glasses have been shown in a published study to alter EEG brainwaves within 15 minutes, significantly dropping beta waves and increasing alpha waves.
Recognize dangers of pathological altruism to prevent depression
Pathological altruism, the need to help others even when it's intrusive, paradoxically correlates with higher rates of depression and toxic selfishness.
Reevaluate grandiose narcissism for potential leadership benefits
New research suggests that high grandiose narcissism, when completely separated from vulnerable narcissism, has no downsides and may even include beneficial leadership traits.
Eliminate musturbation and tyrannical shoulds for inner peace
Psychologists warn against "musturbation" and "tyrannical shoulds," which are inner commands that create conflict and guilt without promoting action.
Support mitochondrial health with Urolithin A for longevity
The supplement Urolithin A, in the form of the product Timeline, is used to support mitochondrial health, which is central to longevity.
More from
Dave Asprey
Who Should Take Herbal Ecstasy Supplements? (The Billion-Dollar Backstory)
Boost Brain Power by 25% WITHOUT a Pill (Brain Optimization Secrets)
The Biohacking Tool That Will Change the World (Mitochondrial Transfusions)
The Fastest-Acting Nootropic I’ve Ever Used
Why Big Pharma Hates Nitric Oxide (And How to Use It Anyway)