Essential Skills: Embracing Change
Change is an inevitable part of life, and the way we respond to it has a profound impact on our success and happiness. In his 1998 book Who Moved My Cheese?, Spencer Johnson uses a simple yet insightful parable to illustrate this concept. The story follows four characters navigating a maze in search of cheese. The story uses each character’s reaction to change to impart valuable lessons for managing uncertainty and embracing transformation in both personal and professional contexts.
The story introduces two mice, Sniff and Scurry, and two “little people,” Hem and Haw, who coexist in a maze. One day, they discover a large supply of cheese, which becomes central to their lives. For Hem and Haw, the cheese represents comfort, stability, and success. They stop exploring the maze, choosing instead to settle into predictable routines centered around the cheese. Meanwhile, the mice, though they enjoy the cheese, continue exploring the maze, traveling new routes, and discovering more each day.
When the cheese eventually runs out, the two groups respond in starkly different ways. The mice quickly accept the situation, recognize the need to adapt, and venture into the maze to find a new source of cheese. In contrast, Hem and Haw resist the change. Overcome by denial, frustration, and fear, they cling to the hope that the cheese will somehow return, refusing to leave their familiar surroundings and confront the unknown.
Over time, Haw begins to question his approach and realizes that remaining in the same place will not bring the cheese back. Accepting this reality, he decides to confront his fears and take on the challenge of searching for a new supply. Though the journey is daunting at first, Haw gradually builds confidence and starts exploring the maze with a renewed sense of purpose. Along the way, he gains valuable insights about adapting to change and the importance of taking action. Eventually, Haw discovers the new pile of cheese that the mice had already found. Through this journey, he comes to realize that much of his struggle could have been avoided had he embraced change and started his search sooner.
This short story is filled with several valuable lessons, however the three that stood out the most to me were:
Accept Change as Inevitable
The first lesson is to accept that change is a natural part of life. In the story, the mice don’t waste time lamenting the loss of the cheese; they quickly adapt to their new reality. This contrasts sharply with Hem and Haw’s initial reaction of denial and frustration. In life, clinging to the past or wishing for circumstances to remain the same only delays progress. If the goal posts move, you can either keep shooting where they were and never score again, or you can seek out their new location.Always Be Prepared for Change
The mice’s daily exploration of the maze emphasizes the importance of staying proactive and ready for change. By continuously exploring the maze, they discovered new routes, built stamina, and deepened their understanding of their surroundings. In contrast, the little people became complacent and stopped venturing beyond their comfort zone. This highlights the importance of avoiding complacency in our own lives. Whether it’s learning new skills, staying informed, or maintaining good habits, being proactive ensures that we’re better equipped to adapt when circumstances shift or new opportunities arise.Use Change as an Opportunity
Haw’s journey demonstrates that change, while initially daunting, can be an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Once he accepts the inevitability of change and embraced the challenge of exploring the maze, he gained new skills, developed courage, and found more purpose in his life. Instead of resisting change or viewing it as a setback, we can see it as a chance to try something new, learn, and grow. The changes we fear often lead to experiences that make us stronger, more resilient, and more capable.
By accepting change, staying prepared, and viewing challenges as opportunities, we can turn life’s uncertainties into growth and success. After all, change is inevitable, but how we respond to it is entirely within our control. So, the next time life moves your “cheese,” ask yourself: Will you resist, or will you take that step forward into the maze see what awaits?