Book Summary Who Moved My Cheese

Recently I read a novel - Who Moved My Cheese? It is a business novel. It describes an amazing way to deal with change in work and life. This book has sold more than 26 million copies worldwide in 37 languages and remains one of the best-selling business books. This book is written by Dr Spencer Johnson. 

Who Moved My Cheese? Features four characters: two mice, "Sniff" and "Scurry," and two little people, miniature humans in essence, "Hem" and "Haw." They live in a maze (a representation of one's environment) and look for cheese (metaphor of happiness and success). Initially, without cheese, each group- the mice and humans, paired off and travelled the lengthy corridors searching for cheese. One day both groups find a cheese-filled corridor at "Cheese Station C."

 Another day, Sniff and Scurry arrive at Cheese Station C to find no cheese left, but they are not surprised. Noticing the cheese supply decreasing day by day, they were mentally prepared beforehand for the hard but inevitable task of finding more cheese. Leaving Cheese Station C behind, they begin their hunt for new cheese together. Later that day, Hem and Haw arrive at Cheese Station C only to find the same thing- no cheese. Angered and annoyed, Hem demands, "Who moved my cheese?" The humans have counted on the cheese supply to be constant, and so are unprepared for this possibility. After deciding that the cheese is indeed gone they get angry at the unfairness of the situation and both go home hungry. Returning the next day, Hem and Haw find the same cheese-less place. Starting to realize the situation at hand, Haw thinks of a search for new cheese. But Hem is dead set in his victimized mindset and dismisses the proposal.

 Meanwhile, Sniff and Scurry have found "Cheese Station N," with new cheese. But back at Cheese Station C, Hem and Haw are affected by their lack of cheese and blame each other for their problem. Hoping to change, Haw again proposes a search for new cheese. However, Hem is comforted by his old routine and is scared about the unknown. He knocks the idea again. After a while of being in rejection, the humans remain without the cheese. One day, having discovered his debilitating fears, Haw begins to chuckle at the situation and stops taking himself so seriously. Realizing he should simply move on.

 Still fearful of his trek, Haw jots "What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid?" on the wall and, after thinking about that, he begins his venture. Still plagued with worry (perhaps he has waited too long to begin his search...), Haw finds some bits of cheese that sustains him and he can continue his search. Haw realizes that the cheese has not suddenly vanished, but has declined from continual eating. After a stop at an empty cheese station, Haw begins worrying about the unknown again. Brushing aside his fears, Haw's new mindset allows him to again enjoy life. He has begun to smile again! He is realizing that "When you move beyond your fear, you feel free." After another empty cheese station, Haw decides to go back for Hem with the few bits of new cheese he has managed to find.

 Uncompromising, Hem refuses the new cheese, to his friend's disappointment. With the knowledge learned along the way, Haw heads back into the maze. Getting deeper into the maze, inspired by bits of new cheese here and there, Haw leaves a trail of writings on the wall. These clarify his thinking and give him hope that his friend will find aid in them during his search for new cheese. Still travelling, Haw one day comes across Cheese Station N, ample with cheese, including some varieties that are strange to him, and he realizes he has found what he is looking for. After eating, Haw reflects on his experience. He ponders a return to see his old friend. But Haw decides to let Hem find his way. Finding the largest wall in Cheese Station N.

 Cautious from experience, Haw now inspects Cheese Station N daily and explores different parts of the maze regularly to prevent any complacency from setting in. This story gives us an idea about dealing with change.

• 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.