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Who Moved My Cheese Book Review

Reviewing the timeless classic “Who Moved My Cheese” by Spencer Johnson, this blog post dives into the life-changing lessons and insights that this simple yet profound book offers. With a friendly tone, we explore the powerful concepts of adaptation, change, and resilience as illustrated through the captivating story of two mice and two little people who navigate a maze in search of cheese. Unpacking the key takeaways and practical wisdom found in this enlightening read, this review aims to inspire and empower readers to embrace change and harness the secrets to success in both personal and professional endeavors.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

• Change is Inevitable: The book emphasizes the importance of adapting to change and being prepared to face new challenges.
• Embrace Change: Rather than fearing change, it is important to embrace it and see it as an opportunity for growth and success.
• Flexibility is Key: Being flexible and open-minded allows individuals to navigate through change with ease and find new opportunities for success.

Summary of the Story

Now, let’s probe a summary of the book “Who Moved My Cheese”. The story is a powerful metaphor about change and how individuals react to it. It follows the lives of four characters who are searching for cheese in a maze, representing the search for happiness and success in our lives.

The Cheese Analogy

Story: The cheese in the book represents what we want in life, whether it is a job, a relationship, money, or a possession. The maze symbolizes where we look for what we want – our workplace, community, or even our mind. When the cheese is moved, the characters must adapt and change their approach to find new cheese.

Characters and Their Journeys

Their: The four characters in the story are Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw. Each character represents a different way that people respond to change. Sniff and Scurry are simple and quickly adapt to change, while Hem and Haw struggle and resist accepting the new reality.

Journeys: Hem initially resists change and clings to the past, while Haw gradually learns to embrace change and navigate through the maze to find new cheese. Their journeys highlight the importance of being open to change and adapting to new situations in order to find success and happiness.

Key Themes and Messages

Embracing change.

Change is inevitable in life, and the key to success lies in how we adapt to it. Embracing change is about being open to new possibilities, willing to let go of old ways, and having the courage to explore what lies beyond our comfort zone. In “Who Moved My Cheese,” the characters who embrace change are the ones who find new opportunities and experiences that lead to personal growth and fulfillment.

Who Moved My Cheese Book Review: Dive Into Your Next Adventure

Overcoming Fears

For many of us, fear is the biggest obstacle when faced with change. It can hold us back from taking risks, trying new things, or pursuing our dreams. However, in order to move forward and thrive, we must acknowledge our fears and find the strength to overcome them. With determination and a positive mindset, we can conquer our fears and discover the power and potential that lies on the other side of change.

Practical Applications

Adapting to Change in Personal Life

All of us experience change in our personal lives, whether it’s through relationships, health, or living situations. One key lesson from ‘Who Moved My Cheese’ is that adaptation is crucial for personal growth and happiness. By embracing change and being willing to let go of the past, we can navigate life’s twists and turns with more ease and grace.

Strategies for Change in the Workplace

Change in the workplace can be intimidating, but it is inevitable for growth and success. Workplace development is crucial in maintaining a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced environment. For instance, implementing flexible work arrangements and encouraging a growth mindset can help employees adapt to change more effectively and boost productivity.

Critical Analysis

Strengths of the book.

Not every book manages to simplify complex concepts in such an easily digestible manner as “Who Moved My Cheese”. The use of a simple parable to convey profound messages about dealing with change resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. The book’s brevity and straightforward language make it accessible to a wide audience, from seasoned professionals to high school students.

Criticisms and Counterpoints

The book has faced criticism for its oversimplified approach to dealing with change and its lack of depth in exploring the complexities of coping strategies. Some argue that the characters are too one-dimensional and the solutions presented are overly simplistic. However, it’s important to note that the book serves as a starting point for discussions on change management rather than a comprehensive guide.

Understanding the limitations of “Who Moved My Cheese” can help readers appreciate it for what it is – a tool for initiating conversations about change and adaptation. While it may not offer a deep probe the nuances of change management, its straightforward approach can serve as a catalyst for further exploration and self-reflection.

Now that you have read this book review of “Who Moved My Cheese,” it is clear that this timeless parable offers valuable insights into embracing change and adapting to new situations. By following the journey of the characters as they navigate a maze in search of cheese, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own attitudes towards change and learn how to approach it with a positive mindset. This book serves as a powerful reminder that change is inevitable, and by being flexible and open to new possibilities, we can navigate life’s twists and turns with greater ease and confidence.

Q: What is “Who Moved My Cheese” about?

A: “Who Moved My Cheese” is a motivational business fable that tells the story of four characters who live in a maze and look for cheese to nourish them and make them happy. It explores how individuals deal with change in their work and personal lives.

Q: Who is the author of “Who Moved My Cheese”?

A: The author of “Who Moved My Cheese” is Spencer Johnson, a renowned author who has written many inspirational and self-help books. His simple storytelling style and valuable life lessons have made his books popular across the world.

Q: What are some key takeaways from “Who Moved My Cheese”?

A: Some key takeaways from “Who Moved My Cheese” include the importance of adapting to change, being proactive in finding solutions, not being afraid to let go of old ways, and embracing new opportunities. The book encourages readers to approach change with a positive mindset and a willingness to learn and grow.

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Book Review of "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Dr Spencer

Who Moved My Cheese? It is a fable about dealing with what, according to the Greek philosopher and essay writer Heraclitus, change is the only constant in life. Spencer Johnson describes four minor characters living in a labyrinth. And how each of them reacts when their cheese suddenly disappears. According to the author, when faced with this change, there are two strategies, they can either resist the change and suffer or learn to accept it and move on to something better.

How can anyone write a business book about mice looking for cheese? Even better, how does a book become a mega-bestseller?

That's amazing about Who Took My Cheese or Who Moved My Cheese. When it was first published in 1998, it sold 21 million copies in 5 years and tens of millions more copies after that).

Who is Spencer Johnson?

Spencer Johnson was a physician and author. He is best known for writing the book Who Moved My Cheese. Dr. Johnson earned his M.D. from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland after graduating with a B.A. in psychology from the University of Southern California. He also completed internships at the Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School.

He served as Director of Communications for Medtronic, the makers of cardiac pacemakers; as a Research Physician at the Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies; as a Consultant to the Center for the Study of the Person; and as a Leadership Fellow at Harvard Business School.

What the point of Who Moved My Cheese book?

The book begins with a realistic scenario. In Chicago, a group of former classmates enjoys a high school reunion. They are talking about how all their lives have changed over the past few years. Then, one wants to share a story he heard that helped him deal with the change. And this is when the main story begins.

In another world, there was a maze where two mice and two little people lived. The mice were named Sniff and Scurry. The two "Lilliputians" were named Kif and Kof. The "little humans" were the same size as the mice, but their minds were like ordinary people, their thoughts and emotions often complicating their lives.

Sniff and Scurry. Sniff and Scurry spend most of their time going through their maze in search of cheese, going from one path to another, not quite knowing which direction has the cheese, often ending up in dead ends, but in these cases, they just have to turn back, and they will have another chance to try again.

Kif and Kof also spend their days in a labyrinth searching for cheese, but unlike Scurry and Sniff, their search for cheese is not for the cheese itself, not that they are hungry, but they are looking for it because they believe it can bring them happiness.

Instead of starting to look for the cheese, Kif and Kof spend their time thinking about how to find the cheese most effectively, how to see what strategies work, and dreaming about what it would be like to have that cheese. This makes them think they are more efficient, but they waste a lot of time dreaming and not doing what they need to do.

At first glance, and with our tendency to overthink and perfectionism, we might think that the Sniff and Scurry mice method is inefficient, but this is due to the sunk cost bias and that we do not realize how much time we waste thinking and doubting without knowing if our hypotheses are true.

These doubts not only waste our time in minutes, hours and days but can sometimes delay us for years because we always have a new excuse as to why now is not the best time to do it, without realizing that the best time to do it is now.

Although it is true that in a few years maybe we will know more if we use our time well, it is also true that the rest of the world will learn more and that we may waste our time during those years.

Thinking is fine. Trying to be more efficient and effective is an excellent idea, but sometimes it is much more important to be proactive and do.

Everything is constantly changing. It's just that we don't want to see these changes.

We are afraid of not knowing, and that fear sometimes makes us self-deceive and think that as long as we try not to change, things will continue as they are now.

But the reality is that no matter how much we would have liked or not, the circumstances to be the same, the truth is different. The world is constantly changing, and every minute that passes will be further from the previous one and the next one that died, so if we want to achieve something, the first step is to accept that every minute and every second counts and that it is up to us to make the most of it.

To explain this to us, Spencer uses the stories of Sniff and Scurry

After searching for some time, Sniff and Scurry found several pieces of cheese on one of the paths in the maze. When they saw the cheese, the mice took advantage of it, coming to eat when they got hungry, and when they didn't, they kept exploring. And when they saw no cheese left, they simply moved on to the next place and soon found more cheese.

In contrast, when Kif and Kof found the cheese, they stayed where it was and just ate and hung out there until a few days later, they got used to the fact that there was cheese, and they didn't have to do anything to get more cheese.

The problem was that they didn't want to accept that the cheese was disappearing and that they wouldn't have any more left in a few days. One morning they woke up and realized that ''someone had taken their cheese''.

Realizing that there was no more cheese, Kif and Kof became depressed and began to complain about reality and how the world worked, how it wasn't fair. Instead of trying to solve their problems, they stayed around the area instead of looking for new sites with cheese, simply because they expected the cheese to ''magically'' reappear.

As in the previous example, our way of thinking is much more similar to Hem and Haw than to that of the mice, unfortunately, and this makes it very difficult for us to accept when problems appear, and we try to deny them even though they are right in front of us, because we have already invested in doing something, and we do not want that investment to be lost.

In addition, we unwittingly accept habits with the least friction into a state of doing nothing so that we have to expend even more energy to do something new that can help us improve.

The reason Kif and Kof ran out of cheese is the exact reason why so many companies have fallen over time. They get used to things one way and act as if they will always be that way. This leads to new competitors that take them out of the market simply because they look at the situation and try to understand how to make the most of it.

Instead of locking ourselves in and trying to avoid change, we must learn to accept it as part of the process, as the stoics do, because only if we accept change will we have any chance of learning, improving, and adapting to the new circumstances.

As they say, the only constant in the world is changing. So let's stop kidding ourselves and start looking at reality.

The key is to keep moving.

Happiness and the feeling of being fulfilled may seem like something we can only find in particular circumstances, but this is simply because we tend to want the easy option and forget the remarkable adaptability of human beings.

Happiness, feeling full and fulfilled, are emotions that we can achieve in different contexts and do not have to be something we can only get in a single situation. We must be willing to accept the changes and make the best of each context.

There is no place in the world that is just for us, but there are many places that we can shape to suit what we want to be and where we want to go.

This is demonstrated by Kif, who at first always assumed a position of being a victim and hoping that things would work out for him, but who over time realized that the fear we have is much worse in our minds and that the more we face that fear, the less its effect on us will be.

As Spencer says in his book, the best thing about cheese is not that once we have found it we have it for life, but that we can always find more cheese. We just have to be willing to look one more time.

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Who Moved My Cheese Summary

1-Sentence-Summary:   Who Moved My Cheese tells a parable, which you can directly apply to your own life, in order to stop fearing what lies ahead and instead thrive in an environment of change and uncertainty.

Favorite quote from the author:

Table of Contents

Video Summary

Who moved my cheese review, audio summary, who would i recommend the who moved my cheese summary to.

Funny, how you sometimes stumble into things that were right in front of your nose, all along. I’ve had this book for 10 years. When I was a kid, my uncle gave it to me, it was a leftover copy from somewhere. I briefly looked at it (it was still wrapped), thought it was a “manager’s book” and put it away. I distinctly remember the picture of the cheese slice on the cover, and turned it in my hands a couple times since. Sadly, I never felt intrigued enough to read it. What an idiot I was!

This site would probably have existed 5 years earlier, had I read it back then. But there’s no use in crying over spilled milk, so I’ll just make do with what I’ve got and share some of Spencer Johnson’s great lessons about change with you right now.  Who Moved My Cheese  a parable about two little people and two mice in a maze, searching for cheese, where each character represents a different attitude towards change, with cheese being what we consider success .

Here are 3 lessons about cheese and what you should do when someone moves yours:

• Thinking too much about your cheese might paralyze you, so just start looking.
• Nothing lasts forever, so keep your eyes open for approaching changes.
• You can always find new cheese, and the minute you start moving things will get better.

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

If you want to save this summary for later, download the free PDF and read it whenever you want.

Lesson 1: Stop thinking too much about your cheese and start chasing it.

The two mice inside of our maze are Sniff and Scurry. They spend most of their time running up and down the corridors of the maze, looking for cheese. Turn a corner, run to the end, see if there’s any cheese, and if not, turn around and go back. That’s their pattern, and, while it seems kind of mindless and unstructured, it actually saves them a lot of time and energy.

Hem and Haw, two little people, also spend their days in the maze looking for cheese, but not because they’re hungry – they think finding it will make them feel happy and successful. However, because of their complex brains, they think a lot about

• how they can find the cheese the fastest
• which strategies will work best in getting through the maze
• how to keep track of those strategies
• what finding the cheese will feel like
• when they’ll finally find it

…and of course, they wonder if there even is any cheese in the maze at all every time they turn another empty corner.

Life is the same. Every minute you spend wondering what success looks like, how to get it, whether it’s possible and how you’ll feel in the future is a minute not spend working towards it. Humans are complicated beings, but that doesn’t mean we have to make everything complicated .

Be more like a mouse and just start running!

Lesson 2: Even the biggest cheese doesn’t last forever, so try to see change coming.

Sniff and Scurry soon found a big stash of cheese at Station C, and even though they enjoyed snacking a bit of it every day, they kept paying attention. The amount of cheese kept declining, slowly, but steadily, every day. Once they realized they were about to run out, they decided to move on of their own accord and soon found another huge cheese at Station N.

When Hem and Haw found station C, however, they settled there, and quickly grew accustomed to the new status quo . The cheese fest they indulged in every day soon became the center of their lives, as they thought it was the fair reward for all their hard work. They were so preoccupied with the cheese that they didn’t notice how it was disappearing, one piece at a time, and how some corners of it even got moldy. One morning, they woke up, only to find  someone had moved their cheese .

This left Hem and Haw sad, depressed, feeling treated unfairly and in denial. Instead of venturing out to find new cheese, they kept returning to Station C, getting ever hungrier and weaker.

No supply of cheese can last forever. Change is always bound to happen, sooner or later. Instead of fooling yourself that things will stay the same forever, always keep an eye open for change.

Lesson 3: Don’t worry, there’s always new cheese to be found. The minute you start moving things will improve.

The best part about cheese isn’t that once you’ve found it you’re set for life. It’s that there’s always more cheese to be found. Haw eventually got sick of sitting around, so he decided to go looking for new cheese all by himself.

Once he started moving, his situation instantly got better. Yes, he just found a few bits and pieces of cheese here and there at first, but this was a lot better than doing nothing and being paralyzed by fear. After having found the courage to move on despite your fears once, fear’s grip on you will never be as strong as it used to be .

Haw realized the accumulated fears in his mind were a lot worse than even the biggest challenges he encountered. Full of confidence, he kept exploring the maze, until he eventually found Sniff and Scurry at Station N, where the three of them shared the new cheese they had found.

This is a great book. I love stories like these. It  is a management book, and many a manager has told this story to his team to inspire them, but it’s just as valuable for you as an individual.

It describes a simple pattern of embracing change, finding success, looking out for more change and then embracing it again, which will help you cultivate a much more optimistic attitude about life. A really cool book!

Listen to the audio of this summary with a free reading.fm account:

The 15 year old, who got this book from a relative, but has never touched it, because he thinks it’s “just a business book”, the 32 year old accountant at a big corporation, who sometimes feels her drive for change is nipped in the bud, because structures are rusty, and anyone who likes Stuart Little.

Last Updated on August 1, 2022

Niklas Göke

Niklas Göke is an author and writer whose work has attracted tens of millions of readers to date. He is also the founder and CEO of Four Minute Books, a collection of over 1,000 free book summaries teaching readers 3 valuable lessons in just 4 minutes each. Born and raised in Germany, Nik also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration & Engineering from KIT Karlsruhe and a Master’s Degree in Management & Technology from the Technical University of Munich. He lives in Munich and enjoys a great slice of salami pizza almost as much as reading — or writing — the next book — or book summary, of course!

*Four Minute Books participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising commissions by linking to Amazon. We also participate in other affiliate programs, such as Blinkist, MindValley, Audible, Audiobooks, Reading.FM, and others. Our referral links allow us to earn commissions (at no extra cost to you) and keep the site running. Thank you for your support.

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Who Moved My Cheese Summary: Key Takeaways & Review 

Sudarshan Somanathan

Head of Content

January 11, 2024

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At first glance, cheese might sound like an unusual metaphor for aspirational values like happiness, success, and wealth. However, when you read Spencer Johnson’s iconic fable, Who Moved My Cheese , you’ll understand why it’s the perfect one. 

Published in 1992, the book owes its enormous success to its simple yet profound message: change is inevitable, and our response to it determines our fate.

If you want to absorb the lessons from the book but can’t spare the time to read the whole thing, let’s take you through the Who Moved My Cheese summary.

Phases in the story

Symbolism in the story, 1. embrace change, 2. be adaptable, 3. anticipate change, 4. overcome fear, 5. enjoy change, 6. smell the cheese often, 7. innovate and experiment, 8. learn from change, popular who moved my cheese quotes, apply who moved my cheese principles with clickup, the way forward.

Who Moved My Cheese Book Summary at a Glance

Who Moved My Cheese is both an inspirational and cautionary story that revolves around four main characters—Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw.

Sniff and Scurry are two mice 🐁 while Hem and Haw are little people 🧑‍🤝‍🧑.

All four characters live in a maze and search for cheese. But as they encounter changes in their cheese supply, each responds differently to them, with varying degrees of success.

Hem and Haw discover a vast source of cheese and settle into a life of predictable comfort, building elaborate routines around their cheese supply. Meanwhile, Sniff and Scurry constantly sniff the air, adapting to ever-changing cheese patterns.

One day, the cheese disappears. 

Hem and Haw are devastated, clinging to their past, blaming and fearing the unknown. Sniff and Scurry, however, quickly adjust and explore new tunnels, finding delicious new cheese. 

Haw eventually joins them, embracing the change and rediscovering his adventurous spirit. But Hem remains trapped in denial, refusing to move on.

The story unfolds in four parts:

Part 1: Cheese Station C

All four characters enjoy a content, stable life, happily indulging themselves in a seemingly endless supply of cheese from Cheese Station C.

Part 2: The cheese vanishes

As they enjoy the abundance, the characters become complacent, taking the cheese for granted. But that all changes one day, when the cheese mysteriously disappears. 

Though Sniff and Scurry had suspected the cheese supply was dwindling, its sudden loss comes as a shock. The characters are forced to confront the reality that the circumstances they relied on have changed. 

The vanishing of the cheese is a powerful metaphor for unexpected changes that we must all confront at one point or another in our lives. 

Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw now face a choice: resist change or embrace it.

Part 3: Adapting to change 

The way the four characters respond to the disappearance of the cheese reflects their differing attitudes toward change.

Sniff and Scurry decide to venture deeper into the maze, searching for new cheese. They learn to let go of the past and embrace the unknown in the hunt for sustenance. Eventually, their efforts pay off and they find the new cheese.

Hem and Haw, on the other hand, resist the change. They mistakenly believe that someone moved their cheese and cling to the hope that the old cheese will return. For a long time, they struggle to accept the uncertainty of their situation.

Part 4: Enjoying the new cheese

The final part of the story focuses on Haw’s journey of adaptation. He learns to navigate the maze, leaving his realizations as messages on the walls. These messages share his insights on what it means to cope with change. 

Haw, too, eventually discovers the new stash of cheese, symbolizing a fresh opportunity or success. The experience of adapting and finding new cheese brings him joy and fulfillment. 

In this part, Spencer Johnson highlights the importance of:

• Letting go of the past
• Embracing change with a positive mindset
• Actively seeking new opportunities

It encourages readers to not only adapt to change but to find joy and satisfaction in the process of exploration and growth. 

While the book uses anthropomorphized characters most often seen in children’s books, it contains important lessons for businesses. Here is a breakdown of some of the key symbols in the book:

Cheese Station C: The station serves as a metaphor for a secure and predictable environment where individuals find satisfaction in their lives.

The cheese: “Cheese” symbolizes anything you value in life, whether it’s a secure job, a loving relationship, good health, or personal fulfillment. The two types of cheese, the “hard nibbling” for the mice and the “Cheese” with a capital C for the humans highlight the diversity of our desires and the subjective nature of what makes us happy.

Old cheese versus new cheese represents holding on to outdated ideas and habits versus embracing new opportunities and growth

The maze: The maze represents the environment we navigate in pursuit of these desires, filled with both opportunities and challenges

Running shoes: They symbolize preparation and readiness for change.

Sniff’s backpack: Sniff’s backpack serves as a multi-layered symbol of his preparedness and resilience in the face of changing circumstances. It can be seen as a physical manifestation of his experiences, adaptability, resourcefulness, or even emotional attachment. 

Haw’s “Write it on the Wall” messages: Haw’s “Write it on the Wall” messages illustrate his personal journey of coping with change, evolving from resistance to acceptance. Initially, writing helps him process his emotions and express his anger at the situation. At this stage, his messages are accusatory: “Who moved my cheese?” or “Why me?”

As time passes, Haw’s writing evolves as his thoughts do. He grapples with his fears and anxieties, writing messages that reflect his internal struggle: “It’s too scary in here!” or “Maybe the new cheese isn’t worth it”

Eventually, Haw starts writing messages that offer a glimmer of hope and encouragement. He acknowledges the difficulty of change but also recognizes the need to move forward: “No cheese here. Move on!” or “New cheese awaits!”

These messages are not just for himself, but also for Hem. Haw hopes Hem will see them when he finally sets off on his own journey of change. By sharing his lessons and acknowledging how one must adapt to survive, Haw documents his own journey of growth and paves the way for those who might follow him. 

His final message: “Smell the cheese often so you know when it’s getting old” is a distilled lesson learned from his experience. It urges Hem and the readers to be proactive, to read the signs of changing headwinds, and to recognize the inevitability of change.

The main message of the book can be encapsulated as follows: Change is bound to happen, and if you accept change and adjust, you tend to do well. But if you resist it, you might have to struggle to grow. 

Key Takeaways from Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson

The book attempts to leave readers with the following key takeaways:

Even when changes seem scary, you’ve to deal with them, and accepting this aspect of life sets you up for success. 

Sniff and Scurry embody this principle by quickly adapting to changes in their environment, always ready to move on in search of new opportunities.

Quick tips to embrace change at work:

• Cultivate a positive attitude towards change by appreciating its potential for fueling learning and growth
• Encourage open communication within your team to prepare them for change and discuss concerns and questions 
• Celebrate successful adaptations to change, creating a culture that values flexibility and resilience

The ability to adjust to changing circumstances is vital for finding “cheese” or success. You must remain open to new possibilities and learn new skills. 

In the story, Haw learns this lesson the hard way. Though he initially resists change, he eventually realizes that adapting is the key to finding new sources of cheese.

Quick tips for adaptability:

• Encourage a mindset of continuous learning within the team
• Provide the training and resources your team needs to enhance skills and competencies
• Foster an environment where experimentation and trying new approaches are celebrated rather than discouraged

Anticipating change is a proactive approach to staying ahead in a disruption-prone world. 

Sniff and Scurry regularly check the status of their cheese supply. It allows them to anticipate and prepare for any changes. 

This underscores the importance of staying vigilant and being aware of potential shifts in your environment.

Quick tips to prepare for change at work:

• Monitor industry trends and technological advancements
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of your current strategies
• Encourage team members to share insights and observations that may signal potential changes

A paralyzing fear of the unknown hinders personal and professional growth. 

Haw faces his fears by venturing into the unknown parts of the maze, realizing that overcoming fear is essential for discovering new opportunities and achieving success.

Quick tips to nurture a fearless workforce:

• Create a supportive, safe environment to help team members express their worries
• Coach and mentor individuals to navigate and overcome their fears
• Acknowledge and celebrate instances where individuals overcome challenges or fears

Rather than dreading change, learn to enjoy the journey and feel happy. 

The characters who embrace change find joy in the process, understanding that it leads to new experiences and opportunities. This mindset shift can make the journey more fulfilling and less stressful.

Quick tips to thrive in change:

• Foster a culture that values innovation and creativity
• Encourage team members to share success stories related to embracing change and treat each misstep as a learning opportunity
• Highlight the positive outcomes and growth that often accompany successful adaptations

Just like Sniff and Scurry, regularly monitor changes in your environment. This means staying alert to potential changes, so you can anticipate and prepare for the future. 

Keeping a watchful eye on your surroundings also keeps you primed to make timely decisions. 

Quick tips for staying vigilant:

• Implement tools and processes for continuous monitoring of key metrics
• Establish a feedback loop where team members can share observations and insights
• Conduct regular check-ins to assess the effectiveness of ongoing strategies

Experimentation and innovation are crucial for adapting to change. 

The characters in the story learn to experiment with different paths, discovering new routes to arrive at a cheese source. This illustrates the importance of trying new approaches and thinking outside the box.

Quick tips to encourage innovation:

• Set aside time for brainstorming and idea generation 
• Create a designated space or platform for sharing and testing new ideas
• Recognize and reward innovative solutions and approaches

Every change brings valuable lessons. 

As he journeys through the maze, Haw comes to realize the importance of learning from his experiences. Reflecting on the past and extracting lessons can provide insights that guide future decisions.

Quick tips to learn from the past:

• Conduct post-change reviews to analyze what worked well and areas for improvement
• Encourage a culture of continuous improvement by implementing feedback loops
• Provide opportunities for team members to share and discuss lessons learned from recent changes

The book’s powerful message expressed in a lighthearted story of mice, little people, and cheese, has captured the imagination of millions of readers from all walks of life. Here are some of the most popular quotes from the book: 

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

This quote highlights the psychological impact of fear and how it can make challenges seem overwhelming. By facing fears and recognizing that they are often exaggerated, you can approach challenges with a clearer mindset. That helps you overcome obstacles more effectively.

When you stop being afraid, you feel good.

In the story, Haw realizes that overcoming fear brings a sense of liberation and positivity. Fear prevents personal and professional growth. Overcoming your fears is essential to developing a sense of self-worth and confidence. 

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

The characters in the story regularly check the status of their cheese supply to stay informed about its freshness. It reminds you that it is crucial to monitor and stay aware of your environment. Regular assessment helps you detect the signs of change early.

The quicker you let go of old cheese, the sooner you find new cheese.

This quote is about the importance of letting go of the past and being open to new opportunities. Outdated or ineffective strategies can slow your progress. That’s why you need to constantly course-correct, even if change is unfamiliar and uncomfortable at first .

If you do not change, you can become extinct!

This quote is a reminder that resistance to change can lead to stagnation and irrelevance. Change is a constant, in business and in life. If you get stuck in your ways and don’t change, it will hinder your growth.

ClickUp, a powerful project management platform, is built on the principles espoused in Who Moved My Cheese . We understand how important adaptability, agility, and nimbleness can be in a fast-paced business environment. Here’s how ClickUp empowers change-makers to stay ahead of their tasks and the competition: 

Change Management Templates

You can customize ClickUp’s change management templates to suit your specific needs such as for process improvements or product launches. With these templates, you can track your change management initiatives and ensure they run smoothly, efficiently, and meet your goals.

• Define goals, track progress, and communicate effectively with stakeholders during periods of change by using these change management templates 
• Plan and implement changes seamlessly, ensuring that your team is well-prepared for transitions

Tasks to Track Different “Cheeses” or Goals

As you navigate business challenges, use ClickUp to create tasks to track the various goals or “cheeses” your team is working hard to achieve.

• Assign tasks to team members, set deadlines, and monitor progress. This ensures everyone is aligned and working towards common objectives

• Organize your goals and track progress visually using ClickUp task management folders and dashboards. These provide a clear overview of your priorities and help you stay focused on the bigger picture
• Break down long-term goals into smaller, actionable tasks to track progress more efficiently. As a result, your team stays motivated throughout their journey

Collaboration Features for Communication and Adaptability

Just like Haw scrawls on the walls of his maze, you too can distill your learnings and build a culture of healthy communication and adaptability with ClickUp. ClickUp’s collaborative features, such as Docs, ClickUp’s Communication Plan Whiteboard Template , Chat, and Mind Maps help you do that.

• Stay connected with your team, share insights, and discuss challenges
• Work together to navigate change effectively

Custom Workflows for Flexibility

Tailor your project management processes to fit the unique needs of your team using Custom Workflows in ClickUp . 

• Adapt your workflows as your projects evolve, accommodating changes effectively

Reporting and Analytics for Monitoring Change

Like the mice in the story, keep your ear close to the ground and monitor changes in your projects and workflows with ClickUp’s reporting and analytics tools. 

• Analyze data and trends to identify areas that require adjustment and make informed decisions to navigate change successfully

Who Moved My Cheese is a guide to navigating the complexities of change with grace and resilience. With ClickUp as your partner, you can create a culture of adaptability at work by embracing the key takeaways from this widely loved book.

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Book Review: “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson

• April 22, 2024
• Blogging , Business , Marketing

“Who Moved My Cheese?” by Dr. Spencer Johnson is a classic among motivational and self-help books. It’s a simple yet profound allegory that explores the themes of change, adaptability, and resilience. First published in 1998, this book has resonated with readers worldwide, becoming a staple in personal development and business literature.

The story centers around four characters: two mice, Sniff and Scurry, and two “little people,” Hem and Haw, who live in a maze and search for cheese to sustain themselves. Cheese represents what people want in life—success, relationships, security, or happiness. The maze symbolizes the environment where people seek these things.

One day, the characters discover that their cheese source has been moved. This disruption forces them to confront change and make choices about how to respond. Sniff and Scurry quickly adapt and move on to find new cheese, while Hem and Haw struggle with denial, fear, and resistance before eventually embracing the change.

Spencer Johnson’s storytelling is straightforward and accessible. The allegory’s simplicity allows readers to project their own experiences and challenges onto the characters’ journey, making it easy to connect with the themes. The book’s brevity (around 90 pages) and conversational tone make it a quick read, perfect for busy professionals or those who aren’t fans of dense, jargon-heavy self-help books. I personally read it in 1 hour and it was excellent. 

The central lesson of “Who Moved My Cheese?” is that change is inevitable, and our ability to adapt is key to success and happiness. The book encourages readers to anticipate change, let go of old paradigms, and embrace the opportunities that come with it. It’s a message that resonates in personal and professional contexts, offering practical insights for individuals and organizations alike.

While the book’s simplicity is one of its strengths, it can also be a limitation. Some readers may find the allegory too basic, lacking depth or specific guidance, but I found it as an incredible blueprint to apply to change in any area of life, whether it is personal or professional. 

The characters are archetypal and not fully developed, which might leave some wanting more nuanced exploration of the human response to change, although I don’t think character development is necessary for the lesson the author is trying to get across. 

Despite these critiques, “Who Moved My Cheese?” remains a timeless resource for those navigating transitions and seeking motivation to embrace change. It serves as a gentle reminder that the key to success often lies in our willingness to move with the cheese, rather than resisting the inevitable shifts that life brings – also noticing when the cheese is about to run out or change.

Overall, if you’re looking for a quick read that offers valuable insights into adapting to change, “Who Moved My Cheese?” is worth picking up. Its message is universal, applicable to various aspects of life, and continues to inspire readers to stay flexible and open to new opportunities.

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Who Moved My Cheese

An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life

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• Feb 1, 2000, 96 pages
• Apr 1999, 96 pages
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Book Review: “Who Moved My Cheese?”

“Who Moved My Cheese?” – the best seller by Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson – is a small book (94 pages with wide margins). It is arranged in three parts: a fable wrapped between two made-up conversations.

I’ve got to tell you, I have a strong aversion to self-help books written by Ph.D.s. A college professor or psychologist writing about business steps up to my batter’s box with two strikes against him: a lack of practical experience and an academic approach to the subject.

I opened “Who Moved My Cheese?” with those prejudices – and yet it won me over. It is essentially a child’s story that says something about human nature, happiness, and change.

Just In Case Someone Quizzes You At An Office Party . . .

The story itself is simple. Once, long ago and far away, there lived four little characters who ran through a maze looking for cheese. Two – Sniff and Scurry – were mice. The other two – Hem and Haw – were little people. Each eventually found his favorite type of cheese at the end of Cheese Station C. When the cheese supply ran out, Sniff and Scurry went right into action looking for new cheese, because they had never abandoned their animal instincts. Hem and Haw, in contrast, waited around at Station C, complaining about their bad luck.

Sniff and Scurry finally found new cheese, but Hem and Haw stayed put in Station C hoping something would change. Finally Haw realized how ridiculous his behavior had been and left Hem alone in order to search for new cheese. For a long while, he had no success. Sometimes, he doubted he would ever find it. But then one day, when he had wandered far into an unfamiliar part of the maze, he came upon new cheese again.

It will cost you 20 bucks and take you about an hour to read “Who Moved My Cheese?” It’s probably worth the investment, because there is a chance that during that time you will think about your own relationship to change – and that might change you.

Like any good fable, “Who Moved My Cheese?” can be read in many ways. On one level, it’s a story about the welfare state – how a reliance on government makes people lazy and helpless. On another level, it’s about the need to accept change. On still another, it’s a fable about process vs. ends.

However you read it, one idea stands out: To be successful in life, you have to keep moving.

That’s not a very popular idea. Most people want to do as little moving as possible. They show up for work and then . . . well . . . not much happens. It’s as if they think life is a contest – and he who gets away with doing the least wins.

I remember when I was a kid, working in a warehouse. I was way up near the ceiling, crawling around on the third level of a huge steel shelving structure that was packed with boxes of I don’t know what. I was looking for something. I removed one box to look behind it and discovered an interior path, illuminated somehow. I followed it around, and it opened into a sort of anteroom made out of boxes with box-chairs and a box-table on which a pack of cards sat. Beyond the anteroom were music and the source of the light I had been following. I crawled through to find Old Charlie lying on a box, drinking a beer, and listening to Aretha Franklin.

“Charlie!” I said. “What the hell is this place?”

“It’s where I spend my time,” he said.

“Aren’t you afraid someone’s going to catch you?”

“Hell, no!” he said. “I ain’t the only body be resting up here.”

As it turned out, Charlie’s place was a clandestine boxed country club, not only for Charlie (and now me) but also for the union shop steward and the two warehouse managers who could have put an end to it.

“Don’t nobody want to work all day long,” Old Charlie explained.

For the rest of that summer, Old Charlie was a god to me. Every thing he did (or didn’t do), I’d emulate. Every word he spoke, I took as gospel. But somewhere along the way I noticed something – the days were dragging by. And I never found the peace of mind Old Charlie had in such abundance.

I do think life gives us two choices. We can get through it doing as little as possible. Or we can work hard and try to build something.

I never had the frame of mind to do it Old Charlie’s way. Not working was just too hard for me. But I never forgot how graceful Old Charlie’s slothfulness seemed. It seemed a more advanced way of being.

But we are what we are. And if you’ve been reading ETR for a while, you are probably not a guru of laziness and probably never will be. You are a worker – a natural born mover and shaker – but one who has a little bit of Old Charlie in his soul. When you want to slow down – or do nothing at all – it’s Old Charlie tempting you.

“Who Moved My Cheese?”does not allow for the Old Charlie in you. It posits a world where success and happiness are the byproducts of work. And that’s fine, because that is the world we ETRs have chosen to live in. When it comes to making money, building business, and creating wealth, prosperity, and value – nothing works like work.

“Who Moved My Cheese?” reminds us that we can’t stop moving. That we must always be pushing, always be trying new things, and always be ready to change.

Businesses that stagnate degenerate. Businesspeople who don’t keep moving eventually fail. Think of yourself as a shark. If you stop going forward, you die. Yet, so many businesspeople find a limited amount of success and then stop. You can see it almost anywhere you look. The restaurant that has a good location but serves mediocre food. It is making a modest profit, so the owner assumes things will get better in the future. But things get worse. “It’s the market,” the owner thinks, “a temporary slowdown that can’t be avoided. I’ll just sit and wait.”

As a customer, you know what the problem is. The pasta is soggy and the tomato sauce is tasteless. But since the owner wants most of all to do nothing, he never asks your opinion. You don’t tell him. He doesn’t know. And the food gets no better. Two years later, he is bankrupt – and he still doesn’t know why.

In the direct-marketing business, I see managers who stop testing new promotions once they find one that works. “Finally, I have something I can count on,” they think. And so they sit back and relax a little. Six months later, they get their first serious warning. Results are flat. “It must be a glitch in the market,” they think. “Let’s see what happens the next time we mail.” What happens is that the results are even worse. But by then, it is way too late to fix the problem. Profits are down.

It doesn’t matter what you do – whether you own a business or work for one – and it doesn’t matter what industry you are in. Unless you keep moving and changing, you will fall behind.

Something You Can Promise Yourself . . .

Don’t be satisfied with your product/service. However good it is, there is some way to make it better. Speak to your customers. Consult with experts. Examine it yourself. Find some way to improve it. And when you are done, do it again.

Do the same thing with your marketing. Create a successful promotion. Than the moment you know it’s working, start looking for another one to replace it. Spend the money. Devote the time. Believe that the end is nearer than you expect. It usually is.

And with your business plan, expect change too. Anticipate that your customers will change. They will become richer or poorer, older or younger, smarter or dumber, cooler or lamer. Know that your employees will change too. They will move or quit, die or become disabled (hey . . . let’s be honest), become disenchanted or enchanted elsewhere. Same thing with your vendors, consultants, and colleagues.

Expect change. Welcome change. Don’t ever stop changing.

Here’s what Spencer Johnson, Ph.D., has to say about finding new cheese:

1. Smell the cheese often, so you know when it’s getting old.

2. When you move beyond your fear, you feel free.

3. The quicker you let go of the old cheese, the sooner you find new cheese.

4. It is safer to search in the maze than to remain in a cheeseless situation.

5. Move with the cheese and enjoy it.

Sam Thomas Davies

Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson

Buy on Amazon: Print | Audiobook | Get My Searchable Collection of 100+ Book Notes

General Thoughts

A cautionary tale about the dangers of complacency and the importance of embracing change, Who Moved My Cheese? is a fun little read, although it offers nothing you likely haven’t read before.   

What Is Who Moved My Cheese About?

Who Moved My Cheese? is a parable about change that takes place in a Maze where four characters look for “Cheese”—cheese being a metaphor for what we want in life. 

The four imaginary characters depicted in the story—the mice: “Sniff” and “Scurry,” and the Littlepeople: “Hem” and “Haw”—are intended to represent the simple and the complex parts of ourselves. 

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.

Want a Free Copy of My Summary?

Who moved my cheese summary.

Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw are four characters that live in a dark, elaborate maze, each searching for their own special cheese to nourish them. 

The mice, Sniff and Scurry, use the simple trial-and-error method of finding cheese. The two Littlepeople, Hem and Haw, rely on their complex brains to develop more sophisticated strategies of finding Cheese. But due to Hem and Haw’s beliefs, their emotions often take over and cloud the way they look at things, making life in the maze overly complicated and challenging.

One morning, both mice and the Littlepeople locate their favorite type of cheese at the end of one of the corridors in Cheese Station C. Every morning after that, the mice head over there to feast, waking early each morning and following the same route, establishing a routine in the process. 

In the beginning, Hem and Haw also race to Cheese Station C every morning. However, over time, the two Littlepeople arrive later and later, confident that the cheese will always be there.

One morning, the mice arrive at Cheese Station C and notice that there is no cheese. They aren’t surprised. Since Sniff and Scurry noticed the supply of cheese dwindling every day, the mice are prepared for the inevitable and know what to do. 

To the mice, the problem and the answer are both simple. The situation at Cheese Station C has changed. So, Sniff and Scurry decide to change. Before long, they scurry off in search of New Cheese in the maze.

Meanwhile, Hem and Haw, who have failed to notice the small changes taking place each day, arrive at Cheese Station C. Both refuse to accept that the cheese is gone. The two rant about the injustice of the situation and question how such a situation could have even arisen. Haw suggests a search for New Cheese, but Hem rejects his proposal.  

While Hem and Haw evaluate the decision, Sniff and Scurry go further into the maze and discover “Cheese Station N,” along with the biggest store of cheese the mice have ever seen.

Meanwhile, Hem and Haw grow frustrated and blame each other for their situation. Inspired by the mice, Haw again proposes a search for new cheese. However, Hem is comforted by his comfortable routine and rejects the idea once more.

After living in denial for some time, the Littlepeople go without cheese, growing weaker from hunger with each passing day. Finally, one day, Haw laughs at himself, realizing that both he and Haw keep doing the same things over and over again and wonder why things don’t get better. Knowing that he is finally able to laugh at himself, let go and move on, Haw enters the maze, but not before chiseling “If You Do Not Change, You Can Become Extinct” on the wall of Cheese Station C for his friend to consider.

During the next several days, Haw finds a little Cheese here and there, but nothing that lasts very long. Haw looks back on things and realizes that the Cheese at Cheese Station C had not just disappeared overnight, as he had once believed. Instead, the amount of cheese that had been there toward the end had been getting smaller, although he had been in denial about what was coming.

Haw decides he will stay more alert from now on. He expects change to happen and looks for it, and will trust his basic instincts to sense when change will occur and adapt as necessary.

After many empty cheese stations, Haw brushes aside his fears and decides to go back for Hem with the few bits of New Cheese he has found. Hem declines his friend’s gesture to leave, stating, “I don’t think I would like New Cheese. It’s not what I’m used to. I want my own Cheese back, and I’m not going to change until I get what I want.”

Dejected, Haw returns to the farthest point he had reached in the maze but feels stronger than ever, safe in the knowledge that he’s no longer letting fear rule his life. After finding little bits of Cheese here and there, Haw leaves a trail of writings on the wall to clarify his own thinking and serve as a marked trail for Hem should he ever choose to leave Cheese Station C.

One day, Hem discovers Cheese Station N, abundant with cheese, including some new varieties, and sees his old friends Sniff and Scurry. After eating, Hem considers returning to Cheese Station C to see if he can show Haw how to get out of his predicament but realizes that he had already tried to get his friend to change. Hem realizes that Haw has to find his own way, beyond his comforts and past his fears. No one else can do it for him or talk him into it. He somehow has to see the advantage of changing himself.

Finding the largest wall in Cheese Station N, Hem writes on the wall,

• Change Happens. They Keep Moving The Cheese
• Anticipate Change. Get Ready For The Cheese To Move
• Monitor Change. Smell The Cheese Often So You Know When It Is Getting Old. 
• Adapt To Change Quickly. The Quicker You Let Go Of Old Cheese, The Sooner You Can Enjoy New Cheese
• Change. Move With The Cheese
• Enjoy Change! Savor The Adventure And Enjoy The Taste Of New Cheese!
• Be Ready To Change Quickly And Enjoy It Again. They Keep Moving The Cheese.

Haw then hears what he thinks is the sound of movement out in the Maze, and as the noise grows louder, he realizes that someone is coming. Haw prays and hopes—as he had many times before—that maybe, at last, Hem has found the way…

Who Moved My Cheese? Key Takeaways

• There’s a difference between activity and productivity.        
• Getting out of your comfort zone makes adapting to change easier.                             
• Fear that you let build up in your mind is far worse than the situation that exists.                
• When you change what you believe, you change what you do.              
• The fastest way to change is to laugh at your own folly—then you can let go and quickly move on.
• You have to find your own way, beyond your comforts and past your fears. No one else can do it for you, or talk you into it. You have to see the advantage of changing yourself.                
• It’s safer to be aware of your real choices than to isolate yourself in your comfort zone.

Recommended Reading

If you like Who Moved My Cheese? you might also like:

• Eat That Frog! Get More of the Important Things Done – Today! by Brian Tracy
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey
• Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear

Buy The Book: Who Moved My Cheese?

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Or, browse more book summaries .

Patrick Mabilog.

Who Moved My Cheese Summary, Key Takeaways, and Reflections

Want to Read This Book?

• Who Wrote "Who Moved My Cheese?"

Who Moved My Cheese? Summary

• 5 Key Takeaways from "Who Moved My Cheese?"

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a “Who Moved My Cheese” summary that gives you the full picture, you’ve landed on the right guide. When you hear the phrase “Who Moved My Cheese,” it might conjure images of a simple children’s story. However, the famous self-help and psychology book is far more than that. The profound parable has become one of the most important resources on the complexities of change in life and work.

In this article, I will provide a comprehensive “Who Moved My Cheese” summary, exploring its narrative, key lessons, and the impactful messages hidden within its pages. Whether you’re encountering this book for the first time or revisiting it, you’ll find valuable insights into managing change effectively.

This article may contain affiliate links. This helps me continue providing valuable learning content sustainably for readers. Feel free to use the link, or not. In any case, thank you for checking out my blog!

Summaries are great, but there’s nothing like getting the full experience yourself! Get a copy of “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson, MD now.

What Is Who Moved My Cheese About?

So what is “Why Moved My Cheese?” really about? Let’s look at some important themes in the book.

“Who Moved My Cheese?” is a compelling parable that delves into the complexities of dealing with change in our personal and professional lives. When I first came across this book, I was struck by its simplicity and profound message. The story, though brief, encapsulates a universal truth: change is inevitable and how we respond to it shapes our path to success and happiness.

The Book Setting

The book is set in a maze, symbolizing the environment we navigate in our daily lives, be it at work, in relationships, or our personal goals. The “cheese” represents what we desire in life – it could be a job, a relationship, health, peace of mind, or even spiritual fulfillment. The essence of the story lies in how different characters in the maze respond to the disappearance of their cheese, which they had once found but is now gone.

As a metaphor for life’s challenges and uncertainties, “ Who Moved My Cheese ?” presents a vivid illustration of how different attitudes and mindsets determine our ability to adapt to change. The characters in the book, Sniff and Scurry, two mice, and Hem and Haw, two little people, each exhibit distinct responses to change. Their reactions symbolize common attitudes we often see in our daily lives.

The Narrative

I believe that the simplicity of the narrative is its biggest strength. It conveys complex life lessons through straightforward, relatable characters and scenarios. For me, the story was an eye-opener – it made me reflect on my approach to change and uncertainty. Whether it’s a sudden shift in the job market, a personal setback, or an unexpected opportunity, how we handle change can be a game-changer. At the core, “Who Moved My Cheese?” shows us how we can best embrace, adapt to, and thrive admist change and the new realities it creates.

In the following sections, I’ll delve deeper into the book’s authorship, provide a detailed summary, highlight key takeaways, and share my personal reflections on how this book can be a guiding light in navigating the ever-changing maze of life.

Who Wrote “Who Moved My Cheese?”

“Who Moved My Cheese?” was penned by Dr. Spencer Johnson , a renowned author acclaimed for his inspiring works that delve into the intricacies of human behavior and personal development. When I discovered Johnson’s background, it added an extra layer of appreciation for his work. He wasn’t just a storyteller; he was a seasoned observer of life and human psychology.

Dr. Johnson’s expertise in medicine and psychology is evident in how he crafts his narratives. Born in 1938 in Mitchell, South Dakota, he pursued a degree in psychology at the University of Southern California and later obtained his medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. This blend of psychological and medical training provided him with a unique perspective on how individuals react to and manage change – a theme central to “Who Moved My Cheese?”

Before achieving global recognition with “Who Moved My Cheese?” Dr. Johnson co-authored “ The One Minute Manager ” with Ken Blanchard, another widely celebrated book in the business and self-help genre. His ability to distill complex concepts into simple, digestible narratives has earned him a special place in the hearts of readers worldwide.

Dr. Johnson’s work, particularly “Who Moved My Cheese?” transcends the traditional boundaries of self-help and motivational literature. It resonates with a diverse audience, from corporate professionals to individuals seeking personal growth. His storytelling is not just about providing answers; it’s about prompting introspection and inspiring change.

“Who Moved My Cheese?” is a thought-provoking parable illustrating how individuals deal with change. We learn many principles and lessons from Sniff and Scurry and the two miniature humans – Hem and Haw – as they search for cheese, which symbolizes what we desire in life. The narrative is cleverly structured to mirror the varied reactions people exhibit when faced with change, particularly when their comfort zones are disrupted.

Chapter Summaries

Let’s look at some important points and lessons from each summary:

Chapter 1: The Characters and the Maze

• Introduces the four characters, Sniff and Scurry, the mice, and Hem and Haw, the little people.
• The maze they live in represents the environment we all navigate, filled with challenges and opportunities.

Chapter 2: The Search for Cheese

• The characters explore different parts of the maze, searching for cheese.
• This chapter symbolizes the pursuit of desires, be it career success, personal goals, or life’s pleasures.

Chapter 3: Finding Cheese at Cheese Station C

• All characters find an abundant supply of cheese at Cheese Station C.
• They react differently: the mice stay alert to changes, while Hem and Haw grow comfortable. This depicts how people become complacent in success.

Chapter 4: The Disappearance of Cheese

• When the cheese suddenly vanishes, Hem and Haw are shocked and in denial, while Sniff and Scurry quickly move on.
• This chapter highlights different responses to change: adaptability versus resistance.

Chapter 5: The Mice Move On

• Sniff and Scurry immediately start looking for new cheese.
• This parable shows how important it is to have the readiness to adapt to change and explore new opportunities.

Chapter 6: Hem and Haw’s Reaction

• Hem and Haw feel betrayed and fearful and refuse to leave Cheese Station C.
• Their reaction represents the common human emotions of denial and fear in the face of change.

Chapter 7: Haw Overcomes His Fears

• Haw begins to understand the need for change and ventures into the maze. His journey symbolizes the process of overcoming fear and embracing new challenges.

Chapter 8: New Cheese

• As Haw navigates the maze, he learns valuable lessons about change, eventually finding new cheese.
• His journey teaches the importance of letting go of old beliefs and adapting to new realities.

Chapter 9: Reflections from the Maze

• The final chapter provides a reflection on the lessons learned, emphasizing the benefits of adapting to change and the pitfalls of remaining stagnant.

5 Key Takeaways from “Who Moved My Cheese?”

Of all the lessons that stand out in this book, these are some of the key ideas that should leave a lasting mark for us readers:

1. Change Is Inevitable

One of the most profound takeaways from “Who Moved My Cheese?” is the inevitability of change. The story vividly illustrates that change is a constant element in our maze of life. Just like the cheese in the story, the things we often take for granted – jobs, relationships, health – can shift unexpectedly. Embracing the fact that change is inevitable prepares us mentally to adapt when it occurs.

2. Anticipate and Prepare for Change

Sniff and Scurry demonstrate the importance of anticipating change. They remain vigilant, noticing the small changes in the cheese supply, signaling its eventual depletion. This key lesson teaches us to stay alert to the subtle shifts in our environments, whether it’s at work, in personal relationships, or other areas of life, and to prepare for potential changes.

3. Overcome the Fear of Change

Haw’s journey symbolizes the struggle to overcome the fear of change. Initially paralyzed by the loss of the cheese, he eventually steps out of his comfort zone to search for new opportunities. This takeaway is a powerful reminder that fear is often the biggest obstacle to adapting to change, and overcoming it is a crucial step towards personal growth and success.

4. Adaptability Leads to Success

Adaptability is a recurring theme in “Who Moved My Cheese?” The story shows that those who quickly adapt to change are the ones who find new cheese, or opportunities. This lesson is vital in today’s rapidly changing world. Being flexible and open to new ways of thinking and doing can lead to discovering new paths to success and fulfillment.

5. Enjoy the Journey of Change

Finally, the book teaches us to enjoy the journey of change. Haw learns to laugh at his mistakes and fears, which lightens his journey through the maze. This takeaway encourages us to embrace change with a positive attitude, learn from the experience, and enjoy the process of finding new cheese. It’s a reminder that the journey can be as rewarding as the destination.

“ Who Moved My Cheese ?” catalyzes introspection and change. The narrative, while simple, packs a powerful message about the nature of change and our responses to it. I encourage you to dive into this insightful book, explore its lessons, and see how they resonate with your life’s maze.

As you turn its pages, reflect on your approach to change – are you a Sniff and Scurry, quick to adapt, or more like Hem and Haw, hesitant and resistant? The beauty of this book lies in its ability to mirror our own experiences, making it a personal journey of discovery.

I invite you not only to read “Who Moved My Cheese?” but to share your insights and takeaways. Whether it’s a discussion with friends, family, or colleagues, you’ll find that its themes spark meaningful conversations and perspectives. So, embark on this journey through the maze, and let’s share the wisdom we find along the way.

Check out this summary of “ Leaders Eat Last ” by Simon Sinek or “ The 5 AM Club ” by Robin Sharma next.

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Who moved my Cheese? Book Review: A clever fable engineered to help deal with change

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Who Moved My Cheese Hardcover – September 8, 1998

• Print length 96 pages
• Language English
• Publisher G. P. Putnam's Sons
• Publication date September 8, 1998
• Dimensions 5.4 x 0.52 x 8.53 inches
• ISBN-10 0399144463
• ISBN-13 978-0399144462
• Lexile measure 900L
• See all details

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com review.

Dr. Johnson, coauthor of The One Minute Manager and many other books, presents this parable to business, church groups, schools, military organizations--anyplace where you find people who may fear or resist change. And although more analytical and skeptical readers may find the tale a little too simplistic, its beauty is that it sums up all natural history in just 94 pages: Things change. They always have changed and always will change. And while there's no single way to deal with change, the consequence of pretending change won't happen is always the same: The cheese runs out. --Lou Schuler

About the Author

Excerpt. © reprinted by permission. all rights reserved..

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Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ G. P. Putnam's Sons; First Edition (September 8, 1998)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 96 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0399144463
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0399144462
• Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 900L
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.4 x 0.52 x 8.53 inches
• #87 in Motivational Self-Help (Books)
• #95 in Personal Transformation Self-Help
• #106 in Success Self-Help

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About the author

Spencer johnson.

Spencer Johnson, M.D., is one of the world's most respected thinkers and beloved authors. Dr. Johnson earned a B.A. degree in Psychology from the University of Southern California, an M.D. degree from the Royal College of Surgeons, and medical clerkships at The Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School. More than forty-six million copies of Spencer Johnson's books are in print worldwide in more than forty-seven languages.

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Customers say

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable. They also find the message inspirational, thought-provoking, and meaningful. Readers describe the book as valuable and well worth the money. They mention it's a short story. However, some customers feel the book is simplistic and oversimplifies matters.

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Customers find the book quick, enjoyable, and simple. They say the points shared are invaluable. Readers also mention the parable is intriguing and simplistic. Overall, they say the book is meaningful and relevant.

"...The book is a very quick read and could probably be read in one sitting. Long ago, I read it to my children and they loved it...." Read more

"A great quick read if you are stagnant in your life and need change but too afraid to try it." Read more

"...The parable is so much intriguing yet simple . It made me think where I stand and represent whom (among the 4 characters) in the story...." Read more

"...I highly recommend reading it. It's a short read and easy to follow and beautiful." Read more

Customers find the book inspirational, thought-provoking, and meaningful. They say it challenges them to critically evaluate their lives and teaches them to consider different points of view. Readers also say the book helps them find their purpose and move towards a new road. They also say it conveys a good message that gets through to people in a different way.

"...Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down. A light-hearted , entertaining story with a life-altering message." Read more

"...It gets you in a positive mindset . I think everyone should read ot including kids. I would recommend." Read more

"... This book is helpful for such situations . I had new friendships waiting for me and a different skill set to develop...." Read more

"It's a great book of knowledge . It really puts a life into what we need right now. I highly recommend reading it...." Read more

Customers find the book worth the read. They say it applies to business, personal finance, and interpersonal relationships.

"...applicable the book is in many different settings and how valuable the book is to read . This is very much like preaching to the choir...." Read more

"The parable is bare , yet powerful enough to be inspiring and simple enough to be shared and understood by anyone - this makes is a useful cultural..." Read more

"...Time may tell a different story. The book is worth the read and embracing the thinking process around change is valuable...." Read more

"... One of the best five books I've read in my lifetime. Age 78. Once you read it you'll send copies to everyone." Read more

Customers find the book short and easy to read. They say it's perfect for a quick sit-down self-care.

"...Some like it because it is short . It does convey a good message that gets through to people in a different way...." Read more

"...In my opinion, for people going through change, this short and easy to read book provides a great path to illuminating different paths available,..." Read more

"...story presented to explain these concepts was far too long-winded to be engaging ...." Read more

Customers find the book excellent for all ages. They say it's informative and a quick 45-minute read for any age. Readers also mention it'll introduce finances to kids.

"...this book for adults of my generation, I think that it has a lot of relevance for children and for young people who have been given a lot in some..." Read more

"...It is a very powerful lesson for young and old . It is an excellent lesson for those stuck in their current realities and need change." Read more

"This is great for kids , teens, adults, or anyone who just needs a motivational push." Read more

"...During changing times, this is the perfect book for all ages ." Read more

Customers find the book adaptable. They mention it helps them deal with change emotionally and methodically. Readers say it's great for someone in transition, or who wants a promotion at work. They say it helps to transfer some of the insecurity and fear of change into a positive energy. They also mention it'll help them survive through rough situations in life.

"...It will teach you to appreciate what you've got, to never become complacent , and to adapt to the inevitable changes that will eventually find you...." Read more

"...It is great - quick to read, not preachy, with good advice about accepting change in your life. Everyone can benefit from this book - no exaggeration." Read more

"...This book is all about dealing with change emotionally and methodically , and realizing when things are about to change...." Read more

"...My main take away is that it's best to be ready to adapt when you see change coming and that the real good thing in change is that you jump into it..." Read more

Customers find the visual style beautiful, simple, and to the point. They say it's cute, relevant, and eye-opening. Readers also mention the book has great themes, lessons, and charm.

"...It's a short read and easy to follow and beautiful ." Read more

"... Cute book " Read more

"...It does have some charm , but that is seriously marred by Haw's ruminations about his state of mind...." Read more

"...It leaves you with images in your mind that remind you that change is good. I not only have a copy for myself but have bought several copies as gifts." Read more

Customers find the book simplistic, abstract, and oversimplifies matters. They say it's superficial and a waste of time. Readers also mention the book has very little content and is repetitive.

"...Critics will tell you that this book is simplistic . It reads very much like a child's story book...." Read more

"...It is so straightforward , that it doesn't need to be as long as it is- and again, it is actually very short...." Read more

"...The beauty of this reminder is in its childlike simplicity . These lessons are best learned in childhood...." Read more

"Helpful yhoughtsband premise. Little dry and bland . The discussion at the end also just felt hypothetical and not too relatable." Read more

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Who Moved My Cheese Book Summary, Review, Notes

“Who moved my cheese?” is a story about a transformation that takes place in a Maze where four characters hunt for “Cheese,” with cheese functioning as a metaphor for what we desire out of life.

The two mice described in the narrative are given the names “Sniff” and “Scurry,” while the two Little people are “Hem” and “Haw.” These four fictional characters are meant to symbolize both the straightforward and the intricate aspects of our personalities.

Regardless of whatever aspects of ourselves we decide to utilize, we all have one thing in common: the need to navigate the Maze and achieve success under ever-evolving circumstances.

Book Title— Who Moved My Cheese? Author—  Spencer Johnson Date of Reading—  October 2022 Rating— 9/10

What Is Being Said In Detail

A reunion brings together a group of old friends. They talk about their lives up to this point, including the problems they’ve had at work and at home and how they’ve solved them. He talks about how his business was about to fail until he heard a story that changed his mind and helped him turn things around for the better. He then goes on to tell the story:

A long time ago, in a land far, far away, two mice and two very small people lived together in a big maze. At first, everyone is very committed to their work. They had to get up very early every morning and work hard to get the cheese. The mice Sniff and Scurry find a lot of this cheese all at once one day. Not far away, Hem and Haw, the “Little people,” also find a lot of “Cheese,” which, in their context, means riches or the things that people want in life. Everyone sits down to eat, or, to put it another way, to enjoy the “good things” in their lives.

While the humans put their shoes away, put on slippers, and just enjoy their mountain of cheese, the mice leave their running shoes near the station and go there every day to see if anything has changed. Like if the cheese has gone bad or if there isn’t enough of it. This means that people don’t care at all that their wealth, or “cheese,” might run out one day.

And one day, there was no more cheese. Sniff and Scurry, the mice, look around the room for more, but they can’t find any. This makes them feel more and more frustrated. Sniff and Scurry decided to go back into the maze to look for more cheese.

They get ready to go by putting on their running shoes and looking at Hem and Haw to see if they are going to follow them. When they tried to follow them, Hem and Haw waved them off and said they’d stay in the room all night in the hopes that the cheese would come back in the morning. Sniff and Scurry went to look around the rest of the maze for more cheese. When Sniff smells a new food source, he runs to the place right away. They find a lot of cheese quickly and start eating it as soon as they find it.

Hem and Haw, on the other hand, still go to the empty room every day, hoping to find some fresh cheese. They can’t believe that their easy way of life is over. Hem is angry and thinks that the “cheese” was moved by someone else. He keeps asking himself, “How can they treat us like this?” “Where’s the cheese?” “How could they do that to us?” …et cetera. Hem thinks they should wait for “the others” to give them back their cheese because they have a right to it. In this way, Hem points the finger at things outside of himself. Also, they haven’t eaten in days, so they are getting very weak.

Haw isn’t as sure, so he wants to know if they should look for cheese in a different place or if Sniff and Scurry have already found some. Hem, on the other hand, is set in his ways and doesn’t want to go.

After going hungry for a few days and realizing that the Cheese won’t magically come back, Haw decides to go into the Maze by himself, even though he is scared and is all by himself.

Haw soon finds little pieces of cheese hidden in different places. Even though he is worried and confused, he knows that the hunt is an exciting adventure and in no way bad.

Haw realized that if he had paid close attention when there was still a lot of cheese, he would have seen that it was getting smaller and that it didn’t taste as good after a while. He would have been able to keep the cheese from going bad after that. Even though Haw couldn’t find a big, fresh cheese at the time, he was happy with his decision to leave that empty room. After deciding to do something, he felt more energized and in charge. Whenever he had doubts, he would picture himself getting the biggest cheese in the world, which gave him the motivation to keep going.

As Haw has new ideas, he writes them on the walls of the maze. He does this in the hopes that Hem will one day find his way out of the maze and use the notes as he travels. One day, Haw comes across a huge stash of cheese in the same place where Sniff and Scurry live. Haw is very happy and quickly gets comfortable, but he keeps his running shoes close by in case this batch of cheese runs out. Haw also checks the cheese station every day, looking for signs of moldy cheese or anything else that might mean something is about to go wrong. He thought about finding Hem and bringing him there to try the new cheese, but in the end, he decided that Hem should make his own choice. He had left him enough tracks to follow “if” he wanted to get out of that situation. Haw also realized that he could have found the new cheese faster if he had walked out into the maze earlier. Still, he told himself, “Better late than never!”

When the students hear this story, they talk about how it might apply to their own lives. Michael is glad they liked the story and hopes they will tell other people about it.

Here are some of the most important points from the book.

Accept the change and welcome it..

Change is the only thing that never changes in this world. Whether it’s your job or your business, things will change over time, and you have to change with them. If you don’t, you’ll end up like Hem in the story and lose your cheese. Customers stopped buying from people and businesses that didn’t change with the times. Nokia or Blockbuster are two companies that did this well.

Faced with difficult changes, look for new chances to grow as a person.

When cheese was no longer available, Hem and Haw had to deal with the change. They responded by blaming each other and not doing anything to make things better. Instead, they could have done something that was in their control. In the same way, as things change, we need to keep looking for new ways and opportunities to broaden our views.

Conquer your fears.

You might decide to stay where you are out of fear, like Haw did. But your anxiety will go away once you start picturing all the good things that will happen if you accept change. Remember what Haw said when he asked, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” Haw realizes that he was wrong to be afraid of going outside to get more cheese. He had let his fear grow, but things weren’t really that bad. He has problems in the maze, but he realizes that he’s happier being in charge of his life than being a victim of it. He keeps going because he keeps picturing himself eating new cheese. Seeing your goals in your mind is one way to get over this fear, which is what Haw did. Make a picture of the future that makes you want it to be better. Once you start, change might not be so bad.

Always keep an eye out.

Like Sniff and Scurry, there are some people who are always aware of how things are changing around them. These are the people who notice the change sooner, adjust to it, and then get the most out of it. You have to do what they do. Keep an eye out for changes that will happen in the next six to ten years. Get better by learning new skills and moving in the right direction.

It’s better to accept change than to try to stop it.

Most people think that change is bad and should be avoided at all costs. They always think about the past. There are times when it’s good to move forward. In fact, the technological advances we take for granted today are the direct result of new things that have happened over time. When you realize that change is necessary and have a positive attitude about it, you will be able to enjoy the process of change.

The only thing that stays the same is change, which you can’t stop. It will take place. Everyone has their own way of dealing with it. Some people just sit back, blame God, and feel sorry for themselves. Some people refuse to change no matter what. But there are also people who are always ready, willing, and able to get back on their feet and make the best of things. In the story, the cheese is found, moved, and then found again. Even if the changes aren’t for the better, we can still get our cheese by changing our habits, facing them head-on, and doing everything we can to break through the mental barriers that keep us from accepting them and becoming more proactive people.

Most Important Keywords, Sentences, Quotes

“See what you’re doing wrong, laugh at it, change and do better.”

“The quicker you let go of old cheese, the sooner you find new cheese.”

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

“It is safer to search in the maze than to remain in a cheeseless situation.”

“Being in the uncomfortable zone is much better than staying in the cheese-less situation.”

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

“It all depends on what you choose to believe.”

“The fastest way to change is to laugh at your own folly.”

“Old beliefs do not lead you to new cheese.”

“Some people never change and they pay a price for it.”

“When you change what you believe, you change what you do.”

“Haw was beginning to realize the difference between activity and productivity.”

“The fear you let build up in your mind is worse than the situation that actually exists.”

“You did not need to overcomplicate matters or confuse yourself with fearful beliefs.”

“I guess we resist changing because we’re afraid of change.”

“Repeating the same behavior will just get you the same results.”

“A change could surprise you only if you didn’t expect it and weren’t looking for it.”

“They didn’t notice they needed to change what had once been working.”

“Better late than never.”

Book Review (Personal Opinion):

The book tells the story of two mice and the trouble they get into when the cheese stops showing up in the usual place. Soon, the mice are hungry, so they talk about what to do with their cheese. Like the rest of us, they have different ideas about the pros and cons of each possible solution and different levels of comfort with the risks that come with each. They decide to handle the problem in different ways. One decides to wait until the daily cheese is back where it usually is, and the other decides to look for more cheese in other places. This is how the book shows how to deal with the things that will always happen in life, not just for the hungry mice but for all of us.

Not everyone likes change, and this book is written just for those people. I think this short, easy-to-read book is a great way for people going through change to learn about the different paths they can take, how to look at things from different points of view, and it may even give a gentle but much-needed attitude adjustment. This will help anyone who has to go through an unwelcome change, especially if it’s something they don’t want to do, learn to accept it. It also brings up the old saying that you should see change as an opportunity.

Even if it doesn’t completely change your life , this book is a great way to get you out of your comfort zone and into new, exciting opportunities that you have been missing out on.

Rating : 9/10

If You Want To Learn More

Here is a funny animation of the book on “Who moved my Cheese The Movie by Dr. Spencer Johnson”

How I’ve Implemented The Ideas From The Book

After finishing this book, I stopped blaming myself for situations that were beyond my control and instead concentrated on the actions I could do to go closer to achieving my objectives. It is really simple to assume the position of the victim. I started pushing myself much further, breaking through my own barriers while maintaining the mindset that any change that occurs will, in the end, make me stronger.

One Small Actionable Step You Can Do

Put an end to focusing on the negative aspects of your life and try instead to examine it objectively. Consider the things you’d like to accomplish in the future. At this precise time, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished. Put an end to making excuses and looking back with regret on things that we have or could have had. Our life begins in this very moment.