And this is where a book that has become something of a motivational classic comes in: Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. A simple but powerful parable about how we respond to sudden changes in life and at work.
The story takes place in a vast Maze (life) and features two mice, Sniff and Scurry, and two little people, Hem and Haw. All four are looking for Cheese, a symbol of what makes us happy: wealth, career, financial security, personal fulfillment. When they find a huge stash at Station C, the mice keep monitoring the situation, while the little people, convinced the Cheese will last forever, relax and get comfortable.
Then, inevitably… the Cheese is gone. The mice, without overthinking, immediately venture into the Maze in search of new supplies. Hem, however, is paralyzed by denial and anger. He stays put, terrified, while Haw (nicknamed Little Haw) feels fear but realizes staying still means extinction. So he ventures alone into the Maze. Along the way, he faces his fears and writes messages on the walls, like “It’s safer to search the Maze than to stay put without Cheese”, hoping to encourage Hem to follow.
In the end, Haw discovers that taking action and imagining future success motivates him. He reaches Station N, finds new Cheese —more abundant and varied— and reunites with the mice. The lesson is clear: change is inevitable, and to handle it successfully, you need to accept it quickly, adapt, and maintain a positive, proactive mindset.
So why not put aside the comfortable “I’m just like this” and start changing, growing, and improving at least a small part of yourself?
Life —and your Cheese— will thank you.
