You're naturally driven to care and do things well.
That kind of drive isn’t bad. In fact, it’s probably part of what’s helped you do well in your career, build trust with others, and pursue things that matter to you.
But there’s a difference between working with your ambition and letting it quietly run the show.
Because without boundaries, even good ambition becomes exhausting.
A New Way to Think About “Doing Your Best”
Here’s a shift that can change everything: Not everything deserves your best.
At first, that might sound wrong—even irresponsible. Especially if you’re someone who prides yourself on going above and beyond.
But stay with me.
This isn’t about lowering your standards. It’s about lowering your tendency to give too much of yourself to the wrong things.
You can still show up with care, excellence, and purpose.
You’re just not required to do that equally for every meeting, email, favor, or request that crosses your plate.
The Good–Better–Best Filter
This is where the Good–Better–Best filter comes in.
Think of it like a quick internal check-in that helps you gauge: How much of my effort does this task actually need?
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Good = “This just needs to be done well enough to move on.”
Think: calendar invites, simple replies, that thing you’ve been overthinking that really isn’t that deep. Show up, finish it, move on. -
Better = “This deserves more care and attention, but not my full capacity.”
A collaborative work project. Hosting dinner for friends and family. Preparing for a check-in with someone important. Worth a bit more effort—but not worth draining yourself. -
Best = “This matters. And the stakes are high.”
These are the big things that impact the future in a major way—vision-setting, meaningful conversations, launching something close to your heart. This is where your full energy belongs.
So Why Does This Matter?
Because you only have so much “best” to give. And when you spend it on low-impact tasks, there’s less left for what actually matters to you.
This filter isn’t about pulling back. It’s about making intentional choices—so you’re not spending high levels of energy on low-level decisions.
So next week, when you catch yourself spiraling over something small, ask: “Is this a Good, Better, or Best moment?”
Let that one question help you conserve your capacity for the things that truly deserve you at your best.