A co-worker at the Star Herald office recently passed around a copy of the best selling self-help book "Who Moved My Cheese?" The book is a parable about four characters living in a "maze" and looking for "cheese" to nourish them and make them happy.
In the book, "cheese" is a metaphor for what you want out of life; for example, a good job, a loving relationship, money, a possession, health or spiritual piece of mind.
The maze is where you look for what you want - the organization you work in, or the family and community you live in.
Two mice named Sniff and Scurry and two "little people" named Hem and Haw travel through the maze.
Sniff sniffs out change early, while Scurry scurries into action. Hem denies and resists change because he fears it will lead to something worse, while Haw learns to adapt in time when he sees change leads to something better.
If we read carefully, we may recognize ourselves or someone we know in these characters or a combination of characters.
As adults, we shouldn't need to be compared to mice and "little people" to point out how we handle change. But it is probable we wouldnÕt spend much time thinking about how we handle change without an analogy like this.
Corporations are distributing "Who Moved My Cheese?" as a tool to help employees handle the changing business climate, but it also works for dealing with changes in our personal lives.
Recently, I have received some funny looks when talking about "cheese." Those who have not read the book have no idea what is going on when I start rambling on about "my cheese." During one such conversation a friend gave me a puzzled look and asked, "Do you have mice?"
I had to share with my friend the philosophy of "Who Moved My Cheese?"
The book stresses having "cheese," or whatever reward makes you happy. The more important your cheese or reward is to you, the more you try to hold on to it. If you do not change and find a new reward you can become extinct.
In other words, anticipate change. Movement in a new direction can help you find new rewards.
What would you do if you weren't afraid? When you move beyond your fear you feel free. What is holding you back?
In my opinion, which was formed long before I read the book, change strengthens a person. Meeting new people and trying new things shouldn't be feared. Personalities are built on experiences; if you stay continuously in your comfort zone you miss out. Each person and experience has something special to offer, some lesson to be learned.
According to the book you should imagine yourself enjoying new rewards even before finding them. Determine what is really important to you. So if you want to be president of the United States, visualize!
It is safer to search in the maze of life than remain in a situation with no rewards. In other words, if something is not working in your life, try something else. Do not get stuck in a rut.
Old beliefs do not lead you to new rewards. Think good thoughts! Seeing that you can find and enjoy new rewards helps you change course. Change is unavoidable!
The Random House dictionary defines change as the substitution of one thing for another. If you become good at substituting rewards change is easy.
We all share something in common, a need to find our way in life, to succeed and be happy in changing times. "Who Moved My Cheese?" could help you reach that goal.