Who Moved My Cheese?

“Sometimes we may act like Sniff who sniffs out change early, or Scurry who scurries into action, or Hem who denies and resists change as he fears it will lead to something worse, or Haw who learns to adapt in time when he sees changing can lead to something better! Whatever parts of us we choose to use, we all share something in common: a need to find our way in the Maze and succeed in changing times.” 

The book presents a parable with two mice, Sniff and Scurry, who represent the simple, straightforward response to losing something important, namely, find a new supply. The story also contains two Littlepeople, Hem and Haw, who also reside in the maze and represent the complex, worrisome overthinking in which humans often indulge. None of these responses are good or bad, but some respond better to change than the others: The mice, and their worldview, are superior to the Littlepeople when it comes to adapting to loss.

“Each of us has our own idea of what Cheese is, and we pursue it because we believe it makes us happy. If we get it, we often become attached to it. And if we lose it, or it’s taken away, it can be traumatic. The ‘Maze’ in the story represents where you spend time looking for what you want. It can be the organization you work in, the community you live in, or the relationships you have in your life.” 

In the Maze of life, we find the Cheese we desire and then settle in to enjoy it. When the Cheese disappears, we waste a lot of time being upset about it. A spouse leaves, a job ends, a health problem erupts: Stuff can happen anywhere. The book’s fable applies to everyone who experiences sudden loss or disruption.

“Everyone knows that not all change is good or even necessary. But in a world that is constantly changing, it is to our advantage to learn how to adapt and enjoy something better.” 

Change isn’t a virtue in itself, but responding well to change is a worthwhile trait. Change usually brings with it opportunities, not merely to adapt to and survive an alteration of our life’s conditions, but to take advantage of the new possibilities made available by the change.