Book Review: Who Moved My Cheese? – A Simple Tale with Powerful Lessons for Change

At Fulcrum Wellness Coaching, we help clients navigate transitions with intention, clarity, and courage. Whether facing a career shift, relationship changes, or a desire for greater life balance, the underlying theme is often the same: change is hard, even when it’s necessary. That’s why Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson (1998) remains one of our favorite tools to spark conversation and insight around the psychology of change.

A Storybook for Grown-Ups

Who Moved My Cheese? tells the parable of four characters—two mice, Sniff and Scurry, and two “littlepeople,” Hem and Haw—who live in a maze and rely on cheese as their source of happiness and success. One day, their cheese disappears. What follows is a story of resistance, adaptation, fear, and ultimately, empowerment.

The characters symbolize different ways people respond to change. Sniff detects it early. Scurry takes swift action. Hem resists and remains paralyzed by fear. Haw struggles, but eventually adapts and learns to enjoy the journey of seeking new cheese.

While the story reads quickly—many finish it in one sitting—the insights linger.

Why It Matters for Coaching

At Fulcrum, we recognize that coaching is less about giving answers and more about creating space for transformation. This story offers a metaphor that clients can easily personalize:

What’s your “cheese”?
Who or what “moved” it?
Are you Hem, Haw, Sniff, or Scurry right now—and what would it take to shift?

These are powerful coaching questions, especially when clients feel stuck. In a world where control is often an illusion, the book offers a gentle reminder: we can’t always control what happens, but we can control how we respond.

The Wellness Connection

The relevance of Who Moved My Cheese? spans all 8 Dimensions of Wellness (Swarbrick & Yudof, 2015):

Emotional: Haw’s journey reflects the emotional process of letting go, grieving change, and finding hope.
Occupational: Many clients encounter “moved cheese” in their careers—layoffs, burnout, or a misalignment of values.
Physical: Health changes can feel like stolen cheese. Adapting means redefining routines and expectations.
Social: Relationships evolve. Learning when to let go or reconnect is part of our human maze.
Intellectual: The story nudges us to challenge assumptions and update our thinking patterns.
Spiritual: For some, the “new cheese” journey becomes one of meaning-making and deeper connection.
Financial: Financial instability or opportunity often comes with surprise twists—requiring agility.
Environmental: Even our surroundings can shift, inviting us to reorient and find new paths.

By tying the narrative to these dimensions, we help clients see that personal growth isn’t isolated. It’s interconnected, just like our wellness.

A Gentle Nudge Forward

One of the most poignant lines in the book reads:

“What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” (Johnson, 1998, p. 54).

Fear is natural. But in coaching, we hold space for people to explore that fear—and then take meaningful action. Like Haw, many of our clients start by feeling unsure, but through reflection and movement, they grow more confident with each step.

Final Thoughts

Who Moved My Cheese? may be short, but its wisdom runs deep. It’s a reminder that adaptability is not just a skill—it’s a wellness practice. Whether you're navigating change or supporting others through it, this book offers timeless metaphors that inspire curiosity, resilience, and forward momentum.

If you’ve read it before, revisit it. If you haven’t yet, it may be the nudge you need.

Reference

Johnson, S. (1998). Who moved my cheese? An amazing way to deal with change in your work and in your life. G.P. Putnam's Sons.
Swarbrick, P, & Yudof, J. (2015). Wellness in Eight Dimensions. Collaborative Support Programs of NJ, Inc. https://www.center4healthandsdc.org/uploads/7/1/1/4/71142589/wellness_in_8_dimensions_booklet_with_daily_plan.pdf