Who Moved My Cheese? is a short, insightful parable that offers valuable lessons on dealing with change in life and work. The book tells the story of two mice, Sniff and Scurry, and two “little people,” Hem and Haw, who live in a maze and depend on cheese to survive. The cheese represents what people want in life, such as success, wealth, or happiness, while the maze symbolizes the environment or circumstances in which they pursue these desires.
One day, the cheese supply in their usual spot runs out, and the characters must deal with this unexpected change. Sniff and Scurry, who represent simple thinking and adaptability, quickly venture into the maze to find a new source of cheese. On the other hand, Hem and Haw, who symbolize resistance to change, remain in denial and frustration, hoping that the old supply of cheese will return.
Eventually, Haw realizes that waiting for things to go back to normal is futile, so he overcomes his fear and begins searching for new opportunities. Hem, however, continues to resist change and remains stuck. Haw’s journey through the maze teaches him that embracing change, being proactive, and adapting to new situations are essential to finding success and happiness.
The parable serves as an allegory for how individuals and organizations react to change. The message is clear: those who adapt quickly to change will thrive, while those who resist will suffer. Johnson encourages readers to adopt a positive mindset, stay open to new possibilities, and be willing to let go of outdated habits or beliefs to succeed in an ever-changing world.
In summary, Who Moved My Cheese? is a simple yet powerful reminder that change is inevitable, and how we respond to it determines our success and happiness.