The Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously stated, “There is nothing permanent except change.” Change is an inevitable force in both personal and professional realms, and adapting to it can be one of the most challenging tests an individual faces. For some, change brings discomfort and fear as it pushes them out of their comfort zones, challenging their attachment to a familiar state of being. Others embrace change, seeing it as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Overview of Who Moved My Cheese

Who Moved My Cheese, a popular business book by Spencer Johnson, explores the concept of change and the various ways people adapt to it. Using a parable involving four characters—Haw and Hem (two little people) and Sniff and Scurry (two mice)—Johnson examines how each character responds to change. In the story, these characters navigate a maze (symbolizing one’s environment) in search of cheese (a metaphor for life’s desires, such as love, wealth, happiness, and health). When they finally find the cheese, they settle into a routine, content with their discovery.

Over time, however, Haw and Hem grow complacent, failing to notice that their cheese supply is dwindling. When they return one day to find the cheese gone, each character reacts differently. Sniff and Scurry quickly accept the change and set off to find new cheese, while Haw and Hem struggle to accept the loss and continue returning to the empty cheese station. Eventually, Haw realizes that to survive, he must adapt to this change. He ventures out, finds more cheese, and learns to embrace change, while Hem remains trapped in denial, returning daily to the empty station.

This story presents a simple yet impactful lesson on adapting to change. The message, “Move with the cheese and enjoy it! The end…or is it a new beginning?” underscores the idea that change is not an end, but rather the start of something new. Resisting change, as shown through Hem, can lead to stagnation, while embracing it, as Haw does, opens the door to new opportunities.

Personal Reflection on Change

For many young adults, turning 18 marks a period of significant life changes, such as graduating high school or starting college. When I turned 18, I was preparing to leave for college, filled with excitement about this new chapter. However, my life changed unexpectedly when I was diagnosed with epilepsy following a series of seizures. The excitement I had felt was replaced with fear and uncertainty as I faced the reality of my condition. My original plan to attend a college six hours from home no longer seemed feasible. Instead, I chose to study at a college 20 minutes away, close to family and medical support.

In this period of my life, I felt similar to the character of Haw. At first, I resisted the change, questioning why my life had to be altered so drastically. But, like Haw, I eventually accepted that my life would never be the same and adapted to my new circumstances. Looking back, I am grateful for the choice I made, as it ultimately led to a supportive college experience that worked out better than I had anticipated. As Who Moved My Cheese states, “When you stop being afraid, you feel good.”

Analyzing the Message of Who Moved My Cheese

Oprah Winfrey once said, “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.” Who Moved My Cheese conveys a similar message. Initially, I did not expect this parable to impact how I viewed my own adaptability. Yet, after rereading the book and discussing it with family and friends, I realized that I, too, embody different characters at various points in life. Sometimes I resemble Hem, resistant to change out of fear of the unknown; other times, I am like Haw, learning to adapt. I relate less to Sniff and Scurry, as I am neither quick to sense change nor rapid in my response to it.

Why Who Moved My Cheese Remains a Bestseller

Since its publication in 1998, Who Moved My Cheese has remained one of the best-selling business books of all time. Its simplicity and relatability have contributed to its enduring popularity. Written in clear, accessible language, it is a book that readers of all ages can enjoy without being bogged down by complex terminology. Furthermore, the book’s characters allow readers to reflect on their own responses to change, making the parable relatable and insightful for a wide audience.

Overall, Who Moved My Cheese offers a powerful message on the inevitability of change and the importance of adapting to it. By mirroring its characters, readers are prompted to reflect on their own adaptability, ultimately learning that resisting change can lead to stagnation, while embracing it opens up new paths and opportunities.

References

1. Johnson, Spencer. (1998). Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.
   • This book provides the foundation of the parable of change and adaptation, exploring the journey of four characters facing unexpected challenges.
2. Winfrey, Oprah. "The Greatest Discovery of All Time."
   • Oprah's insights into personal growth emphasize the power of attitude in shaping one's response to life changes, mirroring themes in Who Moved My Cheese.
3. Heraclitus (c. 535 – c. 475 BC). Quote: "There is nothing permanent except change."
   • This quote from the Greek philosopher encapsulates the inevitability of change, a central concept explored in Who Moved My Cheese.
4. Bridge, John. (2008). "Adapting to Change: Why Business Books Like Who Moved My Cheese Are So Successful." Journal of Business Literature, 14(3), pp. 45-53.
   • This article discusses the popularity of Who Moved My Cheese and its simplicity, making it accessible and relevant to a broad audience.
5. Koberg, Don, and Bagnall, Jim. (2003). The Universal Traveler: A Soft-Systems Guide to Creativity, Problem-Solving, and the Process of Reaching Goals. Los Altos, CA: Crisp Publications.
   • This guide to problem-solving and creativity offers practical insights on adapting to change, similar to Johnson's themes in Who Moved My Cheese.