Companion to Episode 17 – “The Entrepreneurial Roller Coaster: Understanding the Stages of Business Growth”
Series: From Launch to Legacy – Mental Health & Resilience for Entrepreneurs
Purpose
Every business moves through predictable growth stages.
Identifying your current stage helps you make smart, low-stress decisions based on data—not emotion.
This worksheet will help you:
• Recognize your current development stage
• Understand the mindset and risks unique to that stage
• Prioritize next actions that move you toward Predictable Success
Section 1 – Stage Identification Quiz
How to use
- Read each section of the quiz.
- Rate each statement 1 (Not at all true) – 5 (Always true).
- Total your score per stage; your highest total = your current stage.
- Review the Stage Breakdown & Guidance page for focus areas and mindset shifts.
| Stage Indicators | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Early Struggle – “Everything is hard.” | |||||
| I handle nearly every task myself and work constantly. | |||||
| Cash flow is unpredictable and stressful. | |||||
| I learn new skills daily just to keep up. | |||||
| I feel isolated and unsure where to focus. | |||||
| I haven’t documented how anything gets done. |
Total → Early Struggle: _________
| Stage Indicators | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Fun Stage – “Growth finally feels good.” | |||||
| Clients and referrals come consistently. | |||||
| I say yes to almost every opportunity. | |||||
| I rarely take days off because I’m excited. | |||||
| Systems are minimal, but things still work. | |||||
| I spend more than planned to keep momentum. |
Total → Fun Stage: __________
| Stage Indicators | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| White Water – “Success and chaos look identical.” | |||||
| Growth is outpacing our systems. | |||||
| I spend more time putting out fires than planning. | |||||
| The team or contractors feel overwhelmed. | |||||
| Cash flow tightens despite rising sales. | |||||
| I miss the days when work felt simple. |
Total → White Water: ___________
| Stage Indicators | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Predictable Success – “Structure creates freedom.” | |||||
| Operations run smoothly and profit is steady. | |||||
| Roles and expectations are clear. | |||||
| I can step away without chaos. | |||||
| I track KPIs and use data to plan. | |||||
| We innovate intentionally, not reactively. |
Total → Predictable Success: __________
| Stage Indicators | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Treadmill – “Stable but stuck.” | |||||
| The business runs smoothly, but I feel disconnected. | |||||
| Growth has plateaued, and innovation feels risky. | |||||
| I spend most days managing, not leading. | |||||
| I miss the sense of mission we once had. |
Total → Treadmill: _________
| Stage Indicators | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Big Rut – “Decline denied.” | |||||
| Sales or quality are slipping. | |||||
| We resist change because ‘it’s always worked this way.’ | |||||
| Key people are leaving or checked out. | |||||
| Cash flow or client loss is a pattern. | |||||
| I feel tired of fighting the same fires. |
Total → Big Rut: ____________
| Stage Indicators | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Death Rattle – “Critical phase.” | |||||
| Cash is critical and clients are leaving. | |||||
| I’ve considered selling, closing, or completely restructuring. | |||||
| Team morale is gone. | |||||
| Debt or tax issues feel unmanageable. | |||||
| I believe the business can’t recover without major help. |
Total → Death Rattle: __________
Interpretation: Your highest total reveals your current stage. If two stages are close, you’re in transition. Review both to confirm which description fits best.
Section 2 – Stage Breakdown & Guidance
| Stage | What It Feels Like | Biggest Risks | Key Priorities to Advance |
| Early Struggle | You’re doing everything—marketing, fulfillment, admin—and cash flow is inconsistent. | Burnout, underpricing, disorganization | Simplify offers • Track expenses • Create basic financial dashboard • Secure backup income or reserves |
| Fun Stage | Growth feels exciting. Workload and money are finally flowing. | Saying yes to everything • Neglecting documentation • Lack of systems | Document repeatable steps • Implement invoicing & scheduling tools • Build emergency fund |
| White Water | Rapid growth but chaos. Systems breaking, communication issues. | Team burnout • Client errors • Cash flow strain | Define core processes • Assign roles clearly • Evaluate pricing & profitability |
| Predictable Success | You’ve built structure and consistency. Confidence replaces chaos. | Complacency • Possible missed innovation opportunities | Standardize KPIs • Build leadership depth • Plan controlled scaling • Innovate causiously |
| Treadmill | The company runs fine—but excitement is gone. You’re managing maintenance, not momentum. | Stagnation • Loss of purpose • High staff turnover | Reconnect to mission • Re-imagine vision • Delegate routine management |
| Big Rut | Decline begins. Outdated systems or offerings drag performance down. | Denial • Talent loss • Declining cash | Hire external advisor • Audit systems • Rebuild or rebrand intentionally |
| Death Rattle | The business is in distress. Cash and morale are collapsing. | Denial • Emotional exhaustion • Legal/financial exposure | Consider turnaround plan • Consult financial and operational professionals • Prioritize wellbeing before reinvestment |
Section 3 – Reflection & Planning
- What stage am I currently in?
→ ____________________________________________________________________________
- What challenges feel most accurate right now?
→ ___________________________________________________________________________
- What 3 actions would move me toward the next stage?
→ ① _____________________ ② _____________________ ③ _____________________
- What systems or people do I need to get there?
→ __________________________________________________________________________
- What mindset shift will help me grow?
→ _____________________________________________________________________
🧭 Small systems create large peace of mind.
Ready for your next stage?
Visit https://www.havinsconsulting.com/resources/ for tools, checklists, and consulting support to stabilize operations and build momentum.
Reflection & Havins’ Advantage
Growth isn’t linear—it’s cyclical.
By identifying your current stage, you can stop reacting to symptoms and start working on root causes.
At Havins Business Services, we help owners:
- Diagnose which stage they’re in and why
- Build tailored systems that match their capacity and goals
- Prevent the “White Water” chaos from becoming burnout
Next Step:
→ Schedule a discovery call or explore more free resources at
https://www.havinsconsulting.com/contact-us/
Predictability isn’t luck—it’s structure. Let’s build yours.
🌿 Wellness & Professional Support Disclaimer
This resource provides general business-communication guidance, for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not medical, legal, or financial advice.
For legal concerns, consult a qualified attorney.
Always consult qualified professionals before making financial or investment decisions.
If you are experiencing ongoing anxiety, depression, or emotional distress, please contact a qualified mental health professional.
If you are in crisis or need immediate help, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – available 24/7 in the U.S.) or visit 988lifeline.org.
If you’re outside the U.S., you can find international hotlines at findahelpline.com.
Remember: Seeking support is strength, not failure. Your mental health is your most valuable business asset.
From Launch to Legacy | Havins Business Services
Helping small business owners build systems that create peace of mind, not pressure.
