5x1: The Power of Good Enough | Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025

by Monti Pace

The​ 5x1 newsletter​ is a concise and insightful resource around a simple concept: systems achieve goals.

sys·tem [ˈsistəm]
a set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network.
a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done; an organized framework or method.

1 x Principle of Systemization

Satisficing: Is the pursuit of perfection costing you more than it's worth? The concept of satisficing is a blend of "satisfy" and "suffice" coined by economist Herbert Simon. It's all about finding solutions that are good enough rather than perfect.

In complex situations with countless variables, chasing perfection often leads to diminishing returns, analysis paralysis, and burnout. This isn't about settling for mediocrity. It's about being strategic about where excellence truly matters.

How to apply satisficing effectively:

• Set Clear Thresholds: Define specific criteria for what "good enough" looks like before you begin a task or project.
• 80/20 Analysis: Identify which 20% of your efforts produce 80% of the value, then satisfice on the rest.
• Time-Box Decisions: Allocate a specific amount of time for making choices, after which you'll go with the best option you've found.
• Practice Self-Awareness: Notice when you're slipping into perfectionism in areas where the extra effort yields minimal returns.

The most effective systems differentiate between areas requiring optimization and those where satisficing is perfectly appropriate. Not every aspect of a system needs to be perfect for the whole thing to work exceptionally well. When you embrace satisficing in lower-impact areas, you free up precious resources for what truly matters.

This approach reduces decision fatigue, speeds up progress, and typically leads to more sustainable systems. The trick is establishing clear thresholds for "good enough" and knowing when to stop tinkering – which allows you to create systems that deliver outstanding results without completely exhausting yourself or the people operating them.

1 x Systemization Quote

"Only once you give yourself permission to stop trying to do it all, to stop saying yes to everyone, can you make your highest contribution towards the things that really matter." - Greg McKeown (author of Essentialism)

1 x Reflection Question

If you gave yourself permission to pursue excellence in just one area of your life right now and satisfice in others, which area would you choose to prioritize?

1 x Personal System Idea

Setting Boundaries for “Good Enough” Social Connections

This simple system applies the principle of satisficing—accepting “good enough” rather than pursuing perfection—to your social calendar.

Instead of endless open-ended hangouts or saying yes to every invitation, predetermined time boundaries create focused, meaningful interactions while protecting your energy.

By defining what “good enough” social time looks like for you, you can enjoy being fully present during connections without the anxiety of overcommitment. Quality over quantity means a present 60-minute conversation often provides more connection than a distracted three-hour hangout.

1. Pre-set time limits: When scheduling any social engagement, include both start and end times: “Coffee from 10-11am” or “Dinner from 6-8pm.”
2. Exit strategy: Have 1-2 prepared, honest exit phrases that feel comfortable: “I’ve enjoyed our time and need to head out now” or “This has been great - I have to wrap up by 8pm.”
3. Location selection: Choose venues that naturally enforce time limits (cafes, restaurants during lunch hours) rather than open-ended locations.

The goal isn’t perfect social interactions but “good enough” connections that don’t drain you. By clearly communicating boundaries upfront, you reduce anxiety about how to exit and create more focused, present interactions during the time you do spend together.

1 x Business System Idea

Satisficing Business Tasks

1. Set a timer: Before starting any task, set a non-negotiable time limit based on the task’s importance.

• Big Tasks: 60 minutes
• Medium Tasks: 30 minutes
• Small Tasks: 15 minutes

2. Define "good enough". Write down 2-3 bullet points that would make this deliverable acceptable.

3. Ship when time's up: when the timer ends, consider it done and move on.

The beauty of this simplified approach is that it focuses on the fundamental issue - setting boundaries around time spent and explicitly defining what “good enough” means for each task. The system becomes a simple decision-making framework rather than another complex process to manage.