Who Moved My Cheese?

Sometimes we may act like 

Sniff 

Who sniffs out change early, or 

Scurry 

Who scurries into action, or 

Hem 

Who denies and resists change as he fears it will lead to something worse, or 

Haw 

Who learns to adapt in time when he sees can lead to something better!

Johnson, Spencer (1998-09-08). Who Moved My Cheese?: An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life (Kindle Location 112). Penguin Group. Kindle Edition.

I loved this little book, and I am so thankful for the anonymous person who mentioned it in a previous post.  I think in some ways I have found myself playing the role of all four characters in the story: Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw... For example, in my own life:


Sniff Characteristics:  I tend to want the latest greatest thing on the market (i.e. the iPad, a smart phone, the latest new perfume, hair shampoo, deodorant, body wash, and so on...).  I like to see what is available.  I tend to get bored with the same thing over and over, so when cleaning my house, I go from one room to the other to see what needs work.  I like to keep up with the latest buzz words in education.  If someone needs a "SNIFF", I am the person (AS LONG AS IT IS NOT LIFE CHANGING DECISIONS!)  Now that gets a little more complicated, and I leave my "Sniff" role very quickly.

Scurry Characteristics:  Once the decision is made to move, I jump in without much thought or reason.  I often fulfill the clique "Let's just do it!" I'd rather complete the task at hand without a break to just "git 'er" done (As Larry the Cable Guy would say).  If there is a road block, I find a way around it.  My Scurry Characteristics really step up when I feel threatened or challenged.  I am not a meticulous planner by default.  I often act first, and then think about the ramifications later.  I am not patient when it comes to waiting for a detailed plan.  I often build as I go.  This works on occasion for me, but overall, while my "Scurry" behavior may keep me alive, I am not sure it helps me fulfill my greatest potential.

Hem Characteristics:  I don't see myself as a huge "HEM" kinda gal, but there are things in my life that I'd rather not change.  I really don't like opposition, and if I think the change will cause opposition, I often run from it.  Or... I will just let it go even if I know it is the right thing to do.  I think it is more of my fear of what others will think or feel than it is that I am afraid of the changes myself.  I do like to control things, so if the changes involves me letting go... then yes, I would be the perfect HEM.  I find it rather difficult to trust others to get the job done right, and if I am responsible, I'd rather do it myself, to the point of exhaustion, than to deal with having to fix what others do.  So, yes, I am a HEM person at times.  I see where I need to work on this.

Haw Characteristics:  Now... I think I am in "Haw" character most of the time.  Once it makes sense to me, I'll do it.  In many areas of my life, I have had to learn to adapt.  Life is full of adaptations, and we have to make the best decisions to make sure we survive.  I see this all the time, in my personal life... in my spiritual life... in my professional life.  I may complain about someone moving my cheese, but eventually, I go after it.  Now, I may let you know you took my cheese, and I may let you know until I worry you to death, but ultimately, you will not win.  I will find my cheese, or someone else's cheese if necessary.  And the very worst thing you can do is make me think my cheese in endangered.  I will fight for my cheese.  And don't even think about taking my grapes too!

Here are some "Cheese" Nuggets that Haw found along the way:


1.  Having Cheese Makes You Happy!  Yes it does.  Everyone wants cheese.  Cheese is comforting.  Cheese is filling.  Cheese makes you feel successful.  Cheese can take many different forms in life. I equate Cheese to Success.  It is that feeling we get when we know we hit the money!  We have accomplished a goal.  Or... Perhaps, we have finally arrived where we wanted to be in life with our job, finances, relationships, etc.

2.  The More Important Your Cheese Is To You The More You Want To Hold On To It! Hem and Haw were not too happy when someone took their cheese.  But the fact of life is that our cheese almost never stays stationary.  Perhaps the real lesson here is to learn that while the cheese is great, we should not get to attached to it.  I have seen people who have lost relationships, jobs, or other valuable things, and they had a very difficult time coping.  It is devastating to lose our cheese, no matter what it may be.  

3.  If You Do Not Change, You Can Become Extinct! This is to true.  Yet some people would rather become extinct than to change.  I have seen corporations bankrupt and close, churches become unfruitful, families dissolve, and communities become ghost towns because on one thing:  the inability to adapt (or change!).

4.  What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid? What is your fear keeping you from accomplishing in our life?  Think about your dreams for your life.  Now, why haven't you started moving in that direction?  Never let fear stand in the way of your dreams.  Take a chance.  What is the worst that can happen?

5.  Smell The Cheese Often So You Know When It Is Getting Old! You must know when it is time to move forward.  Know when to hold 'em, but know more when to fold 'em.  Keep your ear to the ground, and hear the rumblings.  That's my motto.  Cheese does expire.  Life experiences expire.  There are times when you need to change your habits.  Unhappy in your marriage? When was the last time you changed out your cheese?

6.  Movement In A New Direction Helps You Find New Cheese!  Stop staring at the greasy spot where your cheese once lay and expect it to appear out of thing air.  Even when God performed miracles, he usually required some human action before he would deliver them.  If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself.

7.  When You Stop Being Afraid, You Feel Good! Fear cripples you.  It keeps you from fulfilling your goals.  You can't let the fact that you can't see the cheese make you think there is no cheese. You know there is cheese.  You have eaten it before.  So, stop worrying about the idea you will never have cheese again.  Find it!

8.  Imagine Yourself Enjoying Your New Cheese Leads You To It!  Without a vision, the people perish.  Get your vision back!  Look for the cheese.  Imagine how great it will taste.  Imagine all that you are missing because you are not looking for the cheese.  Get an imagination for crying outloud!

9. The Quicker You Let Go Of Old Cheese, The Sooner You Find New Cheese! I like to think about the great times I have had in my life just like anyone else.  But if that chapter in life is closed for you, stop living on a faded memory.  Go find your new cheese (i.e. career, friend, relationship, etc.)

10.  It Is Safer To Search In The Maze, Than Remain In A Cheeseless Situation! Life is full of chances that we can either take, or not.  But when we find ourselves in a desperate situation, it is time to look for the new cheese!

The thing I loved about Haw was his willingness to learn.  I want to have those characteristics in my life.  I want to be willing to take a chance when a change is needed.  Now, there are many other things I could add here, but hopefully I have given you enough to want to read the book "Who Moved My Cheese" and make you want to "Go Get Your Cheese!"


Sarah B. Odom, PhD.