This article is part of our series exploring key lessons from influential books – works that offer valuable insights into personal growth, productivity, and professional development. Whether you’re revisiting a familiar favourite or discovering these ideas for the first time, we’ll uncover practical wisdom that remains relevant today.

 

Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr Spencer Johnson became an instant classic when published in 1998. This short, simple story about two mice and two tiny people searching for cheese in a maze has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. But don’t let its simplicity fool you; this little book tackles one of the biggest challenges we all face: dealing with change.

 

The story works because cheese represents whatever we want in life – a good job, a loving relationship, financial security, or simply feeling content. The maze is where we look for what we want – our workplace, community, or personal life. When our “cheese” disappears or moves, how do we respond? Let’s explore five practical lessons that can help you handle change more effectively, whether at work or in your personal life.

 

Change happens – expect it

The biggest mistake we make is thinking things will stay the same forever. That comfortable job? Market conditions shift. That reliable routine? Life has other plans. Johnson’s point isn’t to make us anxious – it’s to help us stay alert and adaptable.

Try this: Once a month, ask yourself: “What would I do if my current situation changed tomorrow?” This simple question helps you spot early warning signs and keeps you mentally prepared for shifts before they happen.

 

Notice the small changes early

In the story, some characters ignore the cheese getting smaller each day until suddenly it’s all gone. Sound familiar? We often miss gradual changes at work – shifting priorities, new technologies, changing team dynamics – until we’re caught off guard.

Try this: Keep a simple work journal. Jot down one thing each week that’s different from the month before. These small observations help you spot trends early and adapt before you’re forced to react in a crisis.

 

Let go faster

Here’s the tough truth: holding onto old situations that no longer serve us wastes precious time and energy. Johnson shows how some characters spend ages complaining about the missing cheese instead of looking for new cheese. We’ve all been there – stuck in the past while opportunities pass us by.

Try this: When facing unwanted change, give yourself a fixed “mourning period” – maybe a week to feel frustrated or sad. Then actively shift to: “Right, what’s next?” This acknowledges your feelings whilst preventing you getting stuck.

 

Move with the change

The characters who succeed in the story are those who venture into new parts of the maze, even when it feels scary. They don’t wait for the perfect moment or complete certainty – they start moving and adjust as they go.

Try this: When change happens, identify one small action you can take this week. Not a complete solution – just one step forward. Movement creates momentum, and momentum builds confidence.

 

Enjoy the adventure

Johnson’s most surprising insight? Change can actually be exciting once you stop fighting it. The characters who adapt best are those who start enjoying exploring the maze, discovering new routes, and finding cheese they didn’t even know existed.

Try this: Reframe change as an experiment rather than a threat. Ask yourself: “What might I discover or learn from this?” Curiosity reduces anxiety and opens you up to possibilities you might otherwise miss.

 

Making it work in the real world

The beauty of Who Moved My Cheese? is its simplicity, but that doesn’t mean applying it is always easy. Start with whichever lesson feels most relevant to your current situation. Facing redundancy? Focus on moving with the change. Sensing shifts at work? Practice noticing small changes early.

 

Remember, the goal isn’t to become someone who loves all change – it’s to become someone who can handle change without falling apart. As Johnson shows through his simple story, the maze is always changing. The question isn’t whether your cheese will move – it’s whether you’ll move with it.

 

Change might have moved your cheese, but it hasn’t taken away your ability to find more. Sometimes, the new cheese turns out to be even better than what you lost. You just have to be willing to look for it.