“That what you are afraid of is never as bad as you imagine. The fear you let build up in your mind is worse than the situation that actually exists” – Dr. Spencer Johnson

What is ‘Who Moved My Cheese About’?

‘Who Moved My Cheese?’ is a charming parable about four characters’ search for “cheese” in a maze – cheese being a metaphor for what we want in life. 

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. It is natural for us to perceive change as a threat or to be fearful of it, especially when it occurs unexpectedly. We tend to be defensive and stick to what we know, resisting change like the plague.

The story

The story ‘Who Moved My Cheese?’ revolves around four characters that live in a “maze” and who are in search of “cheese” to eat. Sniff and Scurry are two mice, Hem and Haw are two miniature humans who are portrayed in the storyline. The cheese and maze are metaphorical representations. The sum of both metaphors is “the rat race.” In the story, the characters deal with unexpected change. One of the characters handles change well and writes his secrets to success on the maze’s walls.

There are three rooms in the maze where they can locate cheese, and the cheese never runs out. The cheese mysteriously vanishes from one of their rooms one day. They experience a range of emotions, including fear, rage, and perplexity, as they search for the cheese in every possible location. They eventually meet the person who moved their cheese: a mouse who lives in another part of the maze.

Here are six key lessons about cheese and what you should do when someone moves yours:

1. “If you do not change, you can become extinct”

Meaning: Keep updating yourself with the changes around you.

2. “What would you do if you were not afraid?”

Meaning: It is normal to be nervous, but you should not be afraid to take risks in your life when it's necessary.

3. “Smell the cheese often, so you know when it is getting old”

Meaning: Maintain vigilance and awareness of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for changes in your cheese and plan accordingly.

4. “When you move beyond fear, you feel free”

Meaning: Let go of your fears and be optimistic. Only then will you be able to give your 100%.

5. “Imagining myself enjoying new cheese even before I find it leads me to it”

Meaning: Follow the universal law of attraction. Keep thinking about what you want, and you will get it.

Are you ready to become a champion of change? Let’s look for that cheese.

As Heraclitus once said, “Change is the only constant in life.”

PHOTO © SHOPEE SINGAPORE