upping one's game
Raising the bar
Upping one's game means improving one's performance or effort, especially in response to increased competition or higher stakes.
The phrase comes from sports but applies broadly: After the promotion, she knew she'd have to up her game.
It implies a deliberate choice to perform at a higher level than before.
- raising the barIncreasing expected quality
- self-improvementEnhancing oneself deliberately
- personal growthIntentional self-improvement over time
- skill-buildingDeveloping new competencies
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
tactics · networking · goal-setting · communication · resilience · leadership · adaptability · focus · mentorship · execution · best practices · self-discipline · perseverance · agility · mastery · productivity · collaboration · expertise
upping one's gamecoasting
Moving without active effort
slacking off · phoning it in · mailing it in · slipping · declining
upping one's gamecoasting
Moving without active effort
slacking off · phoning it in · mailing it in · giving up · throwing in the towel
upping one's gamegiving up
Choosing to stop trying
throwing in the towel · admitting defeat · surrendering · folding · caving
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