"Good, Better, Best" Mindset

Balancing Growth with Values, Ethics, Impact, and Resources

I’m so glad you’re here today because we’re diving into a topic I think is absolutely crucial for anyone looking to grow their business: balancing growth with your values, ethics, impact, and, of course, resources.

Sounds like an obvious goal, but it can feel like a lot to achieve, right? You can do it though, and I'd even go so far as to say you have to do it. Practicing this balance will help set you up for sustainable success, without compromising yourself along the way.

Today’s conversation is all about the “Good, Better, Best” mindset. This is something I’ve always lived by, but I was able to put words to it when a mentor shared the phrase and now I want to share that same mindset with you. So, let’s break it down, starting with the “Good” stage.

The Good: Laying the Foundation

The Good stage is all about laying a solid foundation. When you’re starting out, you’re not aiming for perfection; you’re focusing on getting the basics right: reliable products, dependable services, and a structure to support your growth.

This is also the time to focus on creating your minimum viable products and processes (which we'll call MVP). Even if you’re not selling a physical product, your MVP could be the way your website looks and functions, how you interact with your audience on social media, internal processes, etc.

At this stage, consistency is key. You’re figuring things out, building systems, and setting up the groundwork that’ll support everything moving forward. Don’t rush through it! Take the time to build something solid, because rushing or skipping this phase can lead to setbacks later on. Your "Good" stage is essential to the long-term success of your business.

The Better: Refining and Scaling Smartly

Once you’ve got a solid foundation, you move into the Better phase. This is where you start refining your processes and scaling - and doing so with purpose. It’s not about just growing fast, it’s about growing smart. Focus on efficiency, improving your product or service, and optimizing your operations.

At this stage, avoid the "bigger is better" trap. "Better" doesn’t always mean bigger. It means working smarter, staying true to your values, and making improvements that align with your goals. You’re no longer just surviving; you’re thriving. Growth comes from consistent improvements, not from scaling at all costs.

The Best: Defining Your Own Version of Success

Now, let’s talk about Best - but let me first say this: "Best" doesn’t mean the same thing for everyone. For some, it’s becoming an industry leader. For others, it’s making a meaningful impact in a niche or creating a culture of inspiration within their company.

Your best is your own version of success. It’s about mastery, consistency, and impact. Focus on consistently building something meaningful that aligns with your vision, and don’t get distracted by others’ definitions of success. Your "Best" will look different from someone else’s - and that’s exactly how it should be.

Building Resources Along the Way

As you progress through these stages, you’ll start to build resources - both tangible and intangible - that help sustain your success. At the Good stage, resources are limited, but you're learning, growing, and building your toolkit. As you transition into Better, you’ve learned from some mistakes, you begin to leverage partnerships, expand your team, and access new tools to scale smarter.

By the time you hit Best, your resources will likely be robust - your systems efficient, your network strong, and your ability to make decisions aligned with your values and goals will be more confident. Remember, it’s not just about having more resources; it’s about using what you have wisely and in alignment with your mission.

Be Honest with Your Customers

Honesty is key in building trust with your audience. As your business grows, share your progress with your customers - both your wins and the challenges you’re facing. This helps set realistic expectations and builds stronger relationships. Most people appreciate authenticity and will root for you as you continue to grow.

Your customers usually want to see the human side of your journey. It’s okay to let them know you’re still learning and evolving. Be open about where you are in your process and seek feedback, even if you can’t act on everything right away. (Just be sure to set the expectation upfront that while you value the feedback, not all ideas will be put into action.) This shows that you value their input, even if not every suggestion fits into your vision.

Ultimately, remember: it’s about progress, not perfection. Perfection is an illusion. We’re all learning as we go.

Work-Life Balance

The Good, Better, Best mindset doesn’t just apply to your business - it applies to your life. As much as business growth is important, your personal well-being is just as crucial. Hustle is part of the journey, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your health, relationships, or happiness.

Balance is key to maintaining long-term success and avoiding burnout. Schedule time to recharge, whether it’s through exercise, hobbies, or simply spending time with loved ones. Taking care of yourself allows you to show up for your business with fresh energy and clarity.

Remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup. I encourage you to create a version of success that includes both personal and professional fulfillment and growth. 

Navigating the "Good, Better, Best" Mindset

No matter where you’re at on your journey, remember: Growth shouldn’t come at the expense of your integrity (or sanity). You can scale, you can thrive, and you can do it in a way that’s aligned with your values. 

While it may sound a bit cliché, success isn’t a destination - it’s a journey. Every small win is still progress and there are phases to success. So, define what 'Best' looks like for you as a long-term goal, but also take a moment to assess where you are right now - what’s working well and what needs help. Identify the next steps that will move you forward and get you closer to the next phase of success.

As you grow, stay connected to your purpose. Regularly evaluate your decisions and progress, and ensure that everything you do aligns with your long-term vision. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this journey:

• Start with a strong foundation: Take the time to evaluate and build solid systems, processes, and products early on. A solid base will help you scale more sustainably.

• Embrace change: Growth involves constant evolution. What you think is ‘Better’ today might change in a few years, that’s okay and a part of progress.

• Evaluate regularly and stay aligned: Self-assessments help you ensure your growth is in line with what really matters to you.

• Be clear with your customers: As your business evolves, communicate changes clearly to help maintain trust.

• Never sacrifice quality for speed: Growth is important, but prioritize quality over quantity. Your product or service is what keeps customers coming back.

I could probably talk about this forever, but I want to leave you with this; Success is yours to define. And no matter what stage you’re in - whether it’s Good, Better, or Best - the key is to balance resources and maintain progress while staying true to your values, your ethics, and your mission. Apply the Good, Better, Best mindset to not just your overall business but also to day-to-day decisions, especially if tradeoffs are necessary.

What stage are you in now and what steps are you taking to progress? ⬇️ Drop a comment to let us know!

We’ve created a quick “Good, Better, Best” reminder for you to keep on hand if you’re feeling stuck. Download that below.

Good, Better Best Reminder - Caringly Curated .pdf

Download PDF • 36KB

We have other free tools for you - and more on the way! We recommend you start by exploring our Value Proposition, SWOT Analysis, and SMART Goals tools to guide your business growth. Click here to go all of our free tools.

Disclaimer on Results

Please note, the success and growth shared here are based on my experiences and those of others. While these strategies can lead to great results, individual outcomes may vary.