REVIEW AND LESSONS FROM SPENCER JOHNSON’S ‘ WHO MOVED MY CHEESE? ‘
Dr. Spencer’s ‘Who Moved My Cheese’ consists of 3 major parts. The first part is about a group of old classmates gathered for dinner and having a discussion on ‘Change’. This conversation leads to the second part where one of the friends talks about ‘a funny little story’ called ‘Who Moved my Cheese’. The story involves four characters who live in a maze: the mice Scurry and Sniff, and two ‘little people’, Hem and Haw.
The third part is an in-depth discussion about the story by all the friends who admitted to having gotten a good deal out of it.
The book is a piece of fiction that focuses on how to cope positively with change — in career, relationships, family life, and life generally. Although, a very simple book that takes less than an hour to read, the inherent lessons are very valuable when it comes to handling change in a positive and productive way. We would, therefore, recommend this book to everyone!
LESSONS
Change in itself is not constant; only the title remains unmoved
Things are changing constantly, however, the maze is now easier to move through, but it depends on how well you know yourself and your will power to make adjustments. Are you a Haw/Hem? Or a Scurry/Sniffy?
Never give chance to mediocrity
A Hem is reluctant and lackadaisical when it comes to change. The fear of the unknown makes him not want to leave his comfort zone and/or learn new things. Problems arise if he isn’t able to find the courage to turn into a “Haw”.
A Haw tends to be afraid of uncertainties, but once he faces his fears, he gives it all it takes to get to the new cheese station (the positive change that you seek). We should learn from Haw’s exemplary act of doing it regardless of our fears because we can only become better if we face our fears.
A Scurry likes to get things done. He is an action taker. When he sees change, he embraces it almost immediately. Be Scurry and be open and flexible to new approaches!
A Sniffy is a great observer. He has the ability to see and predict change. He is a die-hard opportunity seeker. Isn’t this a character worthy of emulation? Strive to be able to sniff out change when some amber glares hard at it! Just like Sniffy, as Scientists, we should always be on the lookout for the latest Sci-tech trends to see what has changed, what is changing, and be prepared to move, so as not to become obsolete.
Change can be terrifying and crippling but one has to take “FAITHFUL” steps towards achieving goals.
Be open and flexible to new approaches
As we move with time (change), there’s a need to help others that are yet to find the right track, just as Haw did for Hem, peradventure they decide to follow. Always have it at the back of your mind that mentorship isn’t overrated. We need to reach out to people that can show us the right path and the way to the next level!
Old beliefs do not lead to new cheese.
SWISAFRICA hollers to everyone to:
Leave the Hem stage, and move into the Haw’s as we Sniff out all the available opportunities and Scurry in the right direction!
As we with anticipate, embrace, monitor and enjoy change gleefully, let’s have this poem at the back our hearts;
Be open and flexible to new approaches
Our responses to change really matters. Sometimes our fear of change is the propelling force we need to get to the new cheese station. Believe in your dreams even when they seem so abstract and unachievable, because, in the end, you may be surprised that your dreams are too small and you ought to have dreamt bigger.
Compiled and edited by Olasunkanmi Oyolola and Precious Femi
SWIS Africa is an initiative focused on celebrating and shaping women in STEM in Africa. You can learn more about us by clicking this link.
