Upholders

Understanding Upholders

Upholders are one of the four personality tendencies identified by Gretchen Rubin in her framework. Here are some key characteristics and insights about Upholders as discussed by Gretchen Rubin on The Jordan Harbinger Show:

Strengths

• Self-Starter: Upholders are driven and self-reliant, able to start and complete tasks without much oversight or supervision. They excel in both meeting their own goals and fulfilling external expectations without much difficulty.
• Predictable: They often favor to-do lists, calendars, and predictable routines. They thrive in environments where expectations are clear and consistent.1

Weaknesses

• Perceived as Cold: Upholders can sometimes appear unsympathetic because they prioritize their personal commitments even at the expense of social obligations. For example, they might skip helping someone with a last-minute task because they need to stick to their own scheduled activities.1
• Tightening: This refers to their tendency to become increasingly rigid with their rules and routines over time, which can lead to inflexibility. For example, someone might start strictly adhering to a low-carb diet and become obsessive about it.1

Practical Tips

• Mindfulness: Upholders need to be aware of their tightening tendencies and make conscious efforts to avoid becoming overly rigid. They should remind themselves that flexibility is sometimes necessary and beneficial.2
• Communication: When working with an Upholder, it's essential to be clear and specific about expectations. They respond well to clear guidelines and predictability.3
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    1

    Upholder Tendencies

    00:27:20
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    2

    Upholders and Inner Expectations

    00:30:41
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    3

    Understanding Upholders and Obligers

    00:32:19

Comparison with Other Tendencies

• Inner Expectations: Unlike Obligers, who feel the weight of external expectations the most, Upholders balance both inner and outer expectations well, ensuring they also make time for themselves and their own needs.2
• Rigidity: While Obligers may struggle with saying no to others and may need external accountability, Upholders can sometimes be rigid and less flexible, needing to be mindful of this tendency.2

These insights can help in understanding and working with Upholders effectively, ensuring that their strengths are maximized while their potential weaknesses are managed.