What Is One Upping All About?

One upping is an expression used when one person is talking about their accomplishment and another person in their discussion chimes in about how they have either already done that, how they have done something else or hijacks the conversation into their own territory.

One upping doesn’t just happen with accomplishments though. It can also happen with challenging situations - one person shares their challenges and someone else swoops in to make the conversation about their challenges being harder or worse. This is particularly common right now when so many of us are experiencing the many different challenges that 2020 is bringing.

We have all done it but it is important to be more mindful of the fact that situations are personal and nobody's situation 'tops' another's.

If someone is struggling, let them talk about it without making it about you. Just listen. You don’t even have to fully get it. By holding the space for and bearing witness to what the other person has been going through, you are being supportive and helping.

And if you are still feeling the urges to ‘one up’ or you catch yourself doing it, take this as a sign that there is something going on for you that you aren’t giving enough attention too. Implement the art of self compassion, implement the art of taking responsibility, and give yourself what you need. Or ask someone else for help. There isn’t any shame in that.

This week I am launching my one hour ‘Sort It’ sessions where you can book a one hour slot with me about sorting anything that needs some attention. The link will be up in a day or two so watch this space.