What's Up Docs? Daily Dose: Saying 'No'
Jan 23, 2026
Dr. Sunita Sah, an academic researcher at Cornell University specializing in values and decision-making, shares insightful thoughts on the power of saying no. She connects refusal to personal values, highlighting the importance of understanding what truly matters to us. Sunita offers practical exercises for discovering these core values and discusses the emotional costs of saying yes too often. She emphasizes that compliance can lead to burnout, urging listeners to align their actions with their true yes and no for better wellbeing.
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Chris's Late-Start Resolution
- Chris Van Tulleken says he needed to resolve to say no earlier and expects benefits months later.
- The hosts reintroduce Dr. Sunita Sah's points about linking saying no to values.
Know Your Values To Reduce Stress
- Knowing your values reduces stress and helps you act consistently with who you are.
- Dr. Sunita Sah says writing values down increases alignment and lowers cortisol.
Decide With True Yes And True No
- Identify both your 'true yes' and 'true no' so decisions reflect your values.
- Let your values guide whether you accept or refuse requests rather than defaulting to compliance.