1｜Just 96 Pages—But Still a Classic After 20+ Years
First published in 1998, Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and remains a beloved guide to navigating change.
From IBM to Mercedes-Benz, many global companies have used it in employee training. Its message resonates with not just individuals, but entire organizations—because everyone faces change, whether we like it or not.
2｜Who Moved My Cheese? in One Minute
The story is set in a maze and follows four characters who represent different reactions to change:
| Character | Type | Reaction when the cheese disappears |
|---|---|---|
| Sniff | Intuitive | Senses change early and adapts quickly |
| Scurry | Action-oriented | Rushes out to find new cheese immediately |
| Hem | Resistant | Complains and refuses to change |
| Haw | Reflective | Hesitates, but eventually moves forward |
The core question the book asks is simple but powerful:
What do you do when change happens?
3｜4 Key Lessons I Took Away
1. Develop your “change radar”
Learn to spot the subtle signs of change before it’s too late. A shrinking cheese pile? A quieter hallway? Don’t ignore the signs.
2. Move before the cheese does
If you wait until everything is gone, it’s already too late. Early action reduces damage and anxiety.
3. Don’t rely on just one path
Whether it’s a skill set, a job, or an income stream—putting all your eggs in one basket is risky.
4. Fear shrinks when you take action
It’s scary to take the first step. But once you do, the world opens up. Momentum builds confidence.
4｜Me, a New Doctor, and My Inner “Hem”
When I first became a resident doctor, fresh out of med school, people warned me:
“OB/GYN? That’s tough.”
“So many night shifts. You’ll burn out.”
“Isn’t it mostly female doctors? You’ll stand out.”
Honestly? I was scared.
But this book reminded me of something important:
Change happens—even if you’re afraid. So why not move forward anyway?
Medicine is like the maze in the book. Guidelines change every year. Technology evolves. Patients’ needs shift.
If we stop walking, we get left behind. Not because we’re not good enough—but because we froze like Hem.
5｜Is This Book Worth Reading? → 100% Yes
You can finish this book in 30 to 60 minutes. It’s short, simple, and available in audiobook and Kindle formats too.
Recommended for:
- Medical students or residents choosing a specialty
- People starting a side hustle or business
- Anyone anxious about workplace changes
- Runners who’ve lost their next big goal
Book Info
Title: Who Moved My Cheese?
Author: Spencer Johnson
Japanese Edition: Fusosha Publishing
Available: Audible, Kindle, paperback
Start your free 30-day trial on Audible here
https://www.amazon.co.jp/b/ref=adbl_JP_as_0068?ie=UTF8&node=5816607051&tag=yuiha6421-22
Quote that stuck with me
“Change happens. Smell the cheese often so you know when it’s getting old.”
Summary: When the Cheese Is Gone—Will You Run?
Runners, doctors, employees, parents—we’re all moving through life’s maze.
So when your “cheese” runs out—whether it’s a job, goal, relationship, or comfort zone—what will you do?
Will you run like Sniff? Stay stuck like Hem? Or take a deep breath like Haw and keep going?
You don’t have to sprint.
Just turn the page.
The new cheese might be closer than you think.
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