Who Moved My Cheese? Book Lessons
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 –Dr. Spencer Johnson.
Written for everybody, this is a masterpiece whose lessons can be applied everywhere and anywhere. The subject is universal and constant: CHANGE.
The book is a parable whose characters are two mice; Sniff and Scurry, and two little people; Hem and Haw.
“Cheese” is a simile for whatever you want in life be it money, nice job, loving relationships or good health (you name it). And “maze” is a simile for wherever you will find what you’re looking for; say the community you live in, or the organization you work in, or your family.
Here are some of the key lessons;
1. Change happens
The world is continually evolving, nothing will ever stay the same. There’s no way to escape change, it’s better to expect it.
“Who moved my cheese?” but Haw was wondering, “Why didn’t I get up and move with the Cheese, sooner?”
Haw decided he would stay more alert from now on. He would expect change to happen and look for it. He would trust his basic instincts to sense when change was going to occur and be ready to adapt to it
2. Anticipate change
Be continually observant in your life. Don’t get too comfortable, be flexible.
Since Sniff and Scurry had noticed the supply of cheese had been getting smaller every day, they were prepared for the inevitable and knew instinctively what to do
3. Visualize change
Having positive thoughts for your future will keep you going.
Haw started to paint a picture in his mind again. He saw himself in great realistic detail, sitting in the middle of a pile of all his favorite cheeses — from Cheddar to Brie!
The more clearly he saw the image of himself enjoying New Cheese, the more real and believable it became
4. Monitor change
Be keen to you environment so you would notice as soon as new information kicks in.
Haw now realized that the change probably would not have taken him by surprise if he had been watching what was happening all along and if he had anticipated change
5. Adapt to change quickly
The sooner you let go of old beliefs the better off you will be.
Haw suggested, “Maybe we should simply stop analyzing the situation so much and go find some New Cheese?”
6. Change yourself
You can only change your situation if you change your perception.
“Haw, haw, look at us. We keep doing the same things over and over again and wonder why things don’t get better. If this wasn’t so ridiculous, it would be even funnier.”
7. Enjoy change
Enjoy the process and savor each moment.
But since starting his journey, he had found enough Cheese in the corridors to keep him going. Now he looked forward to finding more. Just looking ahead was becoming exciting
If you like this article, come back for more!
