Book Review of “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Dr. Spencer Johnson

“Who Moved my Cheese?” is a simple story that reveals simple profound truths about change. It’s a fun story of 4 characters who live in a maze (world) and look for cheese (job, money, love et all) to keep themselves happy. The story revolves around how each character react when an unexpected “change” in circumstances deprives them of the cheese that they loved so dearly. Their reaction to the situation gives away valuable lessons that can help you discover for yourself how to deal with change so that you can enjoy less stress and more success (however you define it) in your life.

There have been several books and articles written on this evergreen topic of “Change”. Philosophers and thought-leaders have churned several anecdotes to convey their perspective of handling change. Corporates went on to create a whole new aspect called “Change Management”. All this sounds very serious. Doesn’t it? This book is an attempt to introduce how to deal with “Change” in a fun way, and that is exactly what kept me flipping through the pages.

4 characters — Sniff, Scurry, Hem and Haw represent the simple and complex parts of ourselves.

Sniff represents someone who sniffs out change early.

Scurry represents someone who scurries into action.

Hem represents someone who fears and denies change.

Haw represents someone who learns to adapt in time when he sees change can lead to something better.

Have you identified yourself sniffing, scurrying, hemming and hawing? Perfect! I did too. All these characters are within us.

Here are a few key learnings that could help you put together your personal strategy to deal with change.

If you do not change, you can become extinct

There are several examples out there to justify this. Every aspect of our life needs change — be it a job, a relationship or your car. A change done mindfully can enhance the experience and expand the joy that can be derived out of it.

What would you do if you weren’t afraid?

What a powerful question! I stopped writing and pondered over this again and my head is rushing with ideas and things that I could do if I could throw away those fears for a moment. They say that a man who has nothing to lose is fearless, but this learning led me to think that one who is fearless gains everything. When you stop being afraid, you feel good.

Smell the cheese often so you know when it is getting old

How often do we take things for granted? Every time! We can stay in one job for decades and wonder why we aren’t excited about it any more or why that promotion never happened. Rarely do we stop and think if there was anything that needed to change in yourself. You are only as good as your last successful endeavor. Smell the coffee. Consider change. The quicker you let go of old cheese, the sooner you will find new cheese!

Imagining yourself enjoying the new cheese leads you to it

Visualization is a crucial activity to receive what you aspire. Good news day-dreamers! It has been scientifically proven that regularly visualizing (imagining and feeling) that what you aspire will trigger action to achieve that goal. Visualization is a powerful tool used by athletes and high achievers.

Noticing small changes early helps you adapt to bigger changes that are to come

This is what sniffing is all about. This is possible only if you are aware of the environment and the people dynamics around you. This will require you to step back- look at the big picture, put things into perspective, and recognize what is driving the change.

Savor the adventure and move with the cheese

Keep moving! When you accept the fear of uncertainty then life becomes an adventure. When you accept the adventure, you will play to stay ahead of the game.

Personally, I have seen myself hem a lot in the earlier stages of my career and eventually learned to haw.

I am still honing my skills to sniff change earlier and scurrying is still a work in progress.

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.