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Sometimes it’s not figuring out what or how to accomplish a difficult goal – in fact, today’s glut of information gives everyone a million and one ways to look at any challenge.
For many people across the world, the biggest issue is simply taking the first step up.
Or perhaps you have no problem getting stuck in, but then get overwhelmed and quit once you start to realize the amount of effort it might take to complete an ambitious project.
Thankfully, the Swiss Cheese Method can defeat even the most stubborn and creative procrastinators.
The Swiss Cheese Method Overview
The first mention of the Swiss Cheese Method comes from Alan Lakein’s book How to Get Control of Your Time and Life.
Like most of the old but gold methods, it’s relatively simple and allows you to build up the skills you need to tackle overwhelming projects or ambitious goals that take time before you see results.
This method is wonderfully suited for anyone who has difficulties starting demanding tasks and/or if you have a tendency to burn yourself out, get stressed out, and overwhelmed as work starts to mount up (which is probably most people).
The basic idea behind the method is:
- Poke holes (like a piece of Swiss cheese) in any task that seems too large and overwhelming to begin.
- The “holes in the cheese” are easy tasks that you can finish quickly and that are related to the big task in some way.
- These smaller easier tasks reduce the difficulty of the big task and also get you started on that task – instead of avoiding these tasks, you’re training yourself to look for easy ways to get started.
Also if you want to know more about how you can take control of your life and make the most of each day, then check out this video:
The Swiss Cheese Method Action Plan
Step 1: Make a List
The first step is to list all the big tasks/projects/goals you have.
Write down everything you’re carrying around your head and put it on paper, but focus on large and overwhelming tasks.
Here’s some example list items:
- Write research paper
- Renovate the kitchen
- Top-to-bottom spring clean of the house
- Creating content for a website
- Lose x pounds of weight/gain x pounds of muscle
- Any long and arduous work-related project
You won’t complete a task if you forget to do it, and having these large tasks down on paper can offer you some psychological breathing room.
Many people make lists – but it’s not the be-all and end-all.
If simply listing out everything you needed to do was the key to success, most people wouldn’t need productivity methods or insights.
Which is why the next steps are super important.
Step 2: Prioritize
Once you have your tasks it’s time to start prioritizing what’s most important.
Alan Lakein recommended assigning letters to every task on your list.
A = High Importance
B = Medium Importance
C = Low Importance
Importance means anything that is critical and needs to be started sooner rather than later, and it’s also anything that would give you the most satisfaction from completing it.
Here’s a sample list of “big jobs” for a week or so:
- Write report (A)
- Meetings (B)
- Emails (C)
- Plan budget (A)
- Presentation (B)
From this list we’ve identified two big priorities – Write report and Plan budget – these go to the top of the list.
If you have multiple A tasks on your own list, rank them in order of urgency, what ever needs to be started as soon as possible and also requires the most effort to complete.
Your Bs and Cs don’t need to be ranked accordingly – put your Bs in the middle depending on preference and your Cs go dead last.
Step 3: Breakdown into Smaller Chunks
Once you’ve figured out your biggest A task, it’s time to break it down.
Here’s how:
- Take the big task and break it down into all the steps you would need to do to finish and then number each step.
For example, writing a report would be broken down into the following steps:
- Research and sources (A1)
- Make an outline (A2)
- Write the intro sections (A3)
- Write the body of the report (A4)
- Write the final sections (A5)
- Edit and Review (A6)
Now take these smaller tasks and look for easy ways that you can start on them.
For example, A1 (Research and sources) – you could spend 15 minutes having a quick look through for some promising sources, and then find that you have all of the research sources you need – marking the most interesting and important pages for reading.
For A2 (Outline) – you could open up Google Docs (or whatever word processor you use) and write a few headings down on the page.
Looking for easy ways to start these smaller tasks pokes holes in the main task, trains you to look for places to start, and makes you learn over time that even difficult and long-term projects can be tackled and managed without having to engage in a herculean-level effort to get it done.
Final Thoughts on the Swiss Cheese Method
To effectively manage your time and overcome procrastination, start implementing the Swiss Cheese Method today. Break down daunting tasks into smaller, manageable pieces, and tackle them one at a time.
By poking “holes” in your larger projects, you’ll make consistent progress and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Remember, even small efforts can lead to significant achievements over time. Take action now, prioritize your tasks, and watch as you regain control of your schedule and enhance your productivity.
Embrace this method and transform your approach to time management for lasting success.
And if you want more resources related to Swiss Cheese Framework, be sure to check out these blog posts:
Finally, if you want to level up your productivity and time management skills, then watch this free video about the 9 productivity habits you can build at work.
Tom Smith is a creative writer with over 6 years of professional experience. He discovered the joy of writing after covering some furniture in his childhood home with graffiti. In later years, he got himself a BA in creative writing and hasn’t looked back. After discovering the power of positive thinking and discovering the spiritual side of life, he believes it’s a huge privilege to be able to write about all things personal development.
Thomas Smith
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