Who Moved My Cheese?

Change can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your perspective. The message of Who Moved My Cheese? is that all can come to see it as a blessing, if they understand the nature of cheese and the role it plays in their lives. Who Moved My Cheese? is a parable that takes place in a maze. Four beings live in that maze: Sniff and Scurry are mice, non-analytical and non-judgmental; they just want cheese and are willing to do whatever it takes to get it. Hem and Haw are "little people", mouse-size humans who have an entirely different relationship with cheese. It's not just sustenance to them; it's their self-image. Their lives and belief systems are built around the cheese they've found. Most of us reading the story will see the cheese as something related to our livelihoods--our jobs, our career paths, the industries we work in--although it can stand for anything, from health to relationships. The point of the story is that we have to be alert to changes in the cheese and be prepared to go running off in search of new sources of cheese when the cheese we have runs out.

Dr. Johnson, co-author of The One Minute Manager and many other books, presents this parable to business, church groups, schools, military organisations--anywhere where you find people who may fear or resist change. And although more analytical and sceptical readers may find the tale a little too simplistic, its beauty is that it sums up all natural history in just 94 pages: things change. They always have changed and always will change. And while there's no single way to deal with change, the consequence of pretending change won't happen is always the same: the cheese runs out. --Lou Schuler, Amazon.com

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Flexibility is one key to life's success - Rated
As a Bear Stearn's employee the timing of my reading this simple yet profound book could not have been better. If you are not aware of current financial news, Bear Stearns, a private investment bank was recently purchased by JPMorgan Chase and at this time is going through a merger of both of their businesses. It's a time of uncertainty for many folks working at Bear as well as at Chase. In reading this book, what I appreciate most are the ideas that come through the simple story of two mice and two humans in relation to their attitudes and actions for and against changes that come about in their environment. It's a refreshing and inspiring story that can have positive life altering effects. I can honestly say even in this challenging environment I have found myself to be centered and focused on my work at hand. By not worrying about the future or the past but being aware of completing current tasks, staying flexible and open to changes I have found a way to support myself and others.

Another wonderful book full of real life inspiring stories is called Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment and is written by Ariel and Shya Kane. In this day and age, life is fast and full of changes, be they in our family, living or work situations. And with supportive books like these two, we are able to navigate a path through life's sometimes bumpy roads with ease, grace and enjoyment. I highly recommend both these life inspiring books

Gave me that 'warm' feeling - Rated
I must have been going through a period of change when I read this book, because when I finished, I remember having that "it all makes sense now" type of feeling. I enjoyed the book - very simple to read - sweet enough - I felt better for taking an hour out of my day to read it.

Disappointed - Rated
I had heard so much about this book from friends and colleagues and so went ahead and borrowed it from the library. I must say I was highly disappointed.

- It was written in a very childlike manner
- It did not teach me anything new
- I did not like his style of writing

I guess I was expecting a lot more so was really disappointed. It says that it can be applied to both your working life and relationship.I only saw the work part of it and not how to apply it to change in a relationship. It was just not my "CHEESE" am afraid. And I read it all in one go standing by the book stand at the library. I found it boring.

Dissappointed - Rated
After all the good reviews I decided to read this book and managed to finish it within two hours. I was dissapointed..

It is a fairly simple and straight forward read and could be compared to a childrens book

I'd say this book is for:

-Those who dont know how to deal with change
-People who are afraid of change
-Finding the benefits of change
-Understanding change, why it occurs and what to do as a result

I think the main reason that I am only giving this book 2 stars is that it doesn't teach me anything new. I work in an industry which is constantly changing and is affected by volatile market conditions. From experience, I have learnt that change happens and you have to deal with it otherwise you can lose out bigtime.

sweet little story - Rated
Who moved my cheese is a sweet and thoughtfull little story, told as a fable, about how different people react in situations of change and turmoil. It's well written and easy to digest. I read it on a flight from copenhagen to london in one sitting, and smiled as i put it down. It's heartly, and yet teaches you a few things.
It reminds me of the old saying: "you don't dig a hole in a right spot, by digging one in the wrong place deeper". The point of the book is to get people to acknowledge change and go with it, instead of using it as an excuse to complain, and being afraid of the unknown.
worth a read.