Change can throw you off balance and leave you feeling dazed and confused but it doesn’t have to be that way. Your attitudes toward change can hinder or promote growth. “Who Moved My Cheese?” is an invitation to reflect through a short fable. It encourages you to consider how you understand change, adaptation, and success management. In his story, Spencer uses cheese as a metaphor for what you want to have; what you think will make you happy. The maze represents the time you will spend searching for it and the characters’ reactions illustrate the types of responses humans tend to have to change.
“Change is inevitable.”
The Story
The story follows 4 characters who live in a maze and are in search of cheese. Sniff and Scurry are two mice and Hem and Haw are two mouse-sized people. Sniff and Scurry, being mice, are guided by their instincts and intuition. On the other hand, Hem and Haw are guided by convictions, emotions, and learning. This sometimes complicates their search because their convictions and emotions influence their perception of reality.
“Overcome fear.”
One day, Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw each find their cheese. From that day on, Hem and Haw relax and enjoy their find. Over time, the sense of safety Hem and Haw feel turn into arrogance and a sense of entitlement. In contrast, Sniff and Scurry preserve their routine of searching and investigating. Sniff and Scurry stay vigilant to slight changes in their amount of cheese. So, the day the cheese runs out, Sniff and Scurry are prepared and take quick action. They embark on a quest for new supplies of cheese, demonstrating a pragmatic and adaptive attitude. However, that is not the case for Hem and Haw. Hem resists change. He refuses to accept reality and clings to the hope that the cheese will return. In his indignation he adopts an attitude of resistance that prevents him from adapting and finding new opportunities. Haw initially follows Hem’s resistance, but eventually decides to face the change. He learns to adapt, to free himself from the fear of change, and seek out new sources of cheese. Haw sets out in search of more cheese and Hem stays put. As encouragement for Hem, Ham leaves positive messages along the way in hopes of helping Hem change his perspective.
“Stay flexible and take action.”
Life is often full of surprises and transformations that can feel overwhelming. If you feel you need more support, I encourage you to reach out to a professional, you are not alone.