How to say NO without guilt at work I The Psychology of Approval-Seeking

You say yes to another task. Even though your plate is already full. You stay late, again. You avoid pushing back, just in case it makes you seem less committed.

In this episode, Martin Wolf and Dr. Verena Seibert-Giller unpack the psychology behind our struggle to say “no” at work and how chronic approval-seeking can quietly erode both performance and well-being.

They explore the emotional cost of always being available, the hidden belief systems behind overcommitment, and the risk of tying your worth solely to output and recognition.

Together, they explore:

– Why saying “no” feels threatening to our self-image

– How the need for approval hijacks smart decision-making

– What happens when your value is tied only to visible contribution

– Why setting boundaries is a sign of clarity, not weakness

– Small shifts to rewire your inner narrative without losing ambition

This episode offers psychological clarity for anyone caught between being a team player and protecting their focus and reveals how saying “no” can actually fuel long-term drive, not diminish it.