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The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on where your business is headed and set new goals. But let’s be honest—traditional goal-setting can feel overwhelming or uninspiring, especially when running a business. What if we approached it differently this year?

I want to share a method I learned from fellow financial coach Kelsa Dickey that has completely transformed how I think about goals. It’s called the Good, Better, Best method, and it’s a game-changer for business owners. This approach helps you create realistic, motivating goals that build momentum and keep you moving forward—even if life or business throws a curveball.

Why Traditional Goal Setting Often Fails

Most of us are taught to set goals like, “Increase revenue by 20% this year” or “Save $10,000 for a business expansion.” While these are clear and measurable, they can feel rigid and discouraging if things don’t go as planned.

As a business owner, you face unexpected challenges—market shifts, new expenses, or personal responsibilities—that can derail even the best intentions. If you set a goal to post daily on social media but miss a day, do you keep going or scrap the whole plan? This pass-or-fail mentality can leave us feeling defeated.

The Good, Better, Best method flips this thinking. It gives you flexibility, encourages progress, and lets you celebrate your wins—no matter how big or small.

How the Good, Better, Best Method Works

This method is about setting three tiers of goals:

1. Good: The baseline goal—something you can realistically achieve even if things don’t go perfectly.
2. Better: A stretch goal—this takes a bit more effort and intention but is still achievable with some focus.
3. Best: The dream goal—something extraordinary that feels out of reach but motivates you to aim high.

Here’s an example for paying off debt:

• Good Goal: Pay off $500 in credit card debt this month.
• Better Goal: Pay off $750 by the end of the month.
• Best Goal: Pay off $1,000 this month.

This method works because it gives your brain clear, actionable steps while allowing room for flexibility and momentum. Even if you only hit your “Good” goal, you’ve succeeded. And if you surpass it, you feel even more motivated to keep going.

Why This Works for Small Business Owners

As a business owner, your brain is always in problem-solving mode. When you set clear, specific goals, your brain automatically starts looking for ways to help you achieve them.

Think about when you decide to buy a specific car, and suddenly you see that car everywhere. It’s not magic—it’s your subconscious tuning into what’s relevant. The scientific term that actually does this is called the Reticular Activating System. This system acts as a filter as to what your brain pays attention to. The Good, Better, Best method takes advantage of this by giving your brain clear targets to focus on.

It also removes the pressure of all-or-nothing thinking. Instead, it helps you build momentum by showing progress at every level, whether you hit “Good,” “Better,” or “Best.”

Applying Good, Better, Best to Your Business Goals

If you’re ready to try this for your business, here’s how to get started:

1. Identify Your Priorities: What’s the most important thing you want to achieve in your business this year? Examples could include:
   
   • Paying off debt.
   • Building an emergency fund.
   • Saving for a business expansion.
   • Streamlining monthly expenses.
2. Set Your Good, Better, Best Goals: For each priority, create measurable, realistic tiers of success. For example:
   
   • Goal: Build an Emergency Fund.
     • Good: Save $500 this quarter.
     • Better: Save $1,000 this quarter.
     • Best: Save $2,000 this quarter.
   • Goal: Reduce Monthly Expenses.
     • Good: Cut $100 in unnecessary subscriptions or fees.
     • Better: Cut $250 by renegotiating contracts or finding better rates.
     • Best: Cut $500 through a complete review of expenses and processes.
3. Visualize Your Progress: Use trackers, sticky notes, or a simple spreadsheet to keep your goals front and center. Seeing your progress regularly reinforces your brain’s focus.
   
4. Celebrate Along the Way: Every time you hit a milestone—whether it’s “Good,” “Better,” or “Best”—take a moment to celebrate. This might mean treating yourself to something small, like a coffee, or simply acknowledging the progress you’ve made.
   
5. Stay Focused: Commit to working on one primary goal at a time. Splitting your attention across multiple goals will dilute your progress. Extreme focus ensures you see results faster, which keeps you motivated.
   

A New Year, A New Approach

The Good, Better, Best method isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about becoming the kind of business owner who knows what they want and makes it happen. By taking a flexible, motivating approach to your goals, you’ll not only achieve more but also build confidence in your ability to adapt and succeed.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level but feel unsure about where to start, I’d love to help. Together, we can clarify your business goals, create a personalized action plan, and set you up for a successful year. Schedule your free Q&A call today, and let’s make this your best year yet!

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Bio:
Michelle Kopp is a financial coach and CPA at Verde Capital Management, based in Michigan. She specializes in helping small business owners streamline their personal and business finances with personalized money systems that reduce stress and increase confidence. Michelle is a wife and mom to three boys and is currently embracing a new chapter of life with her family in Guatemala.