Who moved my cheese?!

I think it was very timely that Arjay bought a new book for me last week. One, because I haven’t been reading a lot of books (note: haven’t been reading a lot = 0 books) for, don’t be shocked, almost two years! And two, his book choice, Spencer Johnson’s Who Moved My Cheese? is the perfect getting-back-into-the-habit-of-reading book for me because it talks about a topic that hits me to the core.

Who Moved My Cheese? is a book about dealing with change in your work and in life. It is written in the style of a parable with four characters: two mice named Sniff and Scurry and two “littlepeople” named Hem and Haw. The four characters represent people’s typical reactions when a change happens in one’s life.

I love how the book relays a very simple message, but leaves a huge impact. My favorite part in the book was when I came upon this question:

Who Moved My Cheese?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WEREN’T AFRAID?

Gosh, what a question! It made me pause from reading and reflect. What would I do if I weren’t afraid? A lot of things!

Last year, I remember talking to A about enrolling in a computer/design course in UP or Ateneo. I never enrolled because I was afraid I couldn’t handle working, homemaking, two toddlers AND studying. But, there was more behind not being able to handle everything — and that was the fear of failing in one or more aspects of my life because I was getting into too many things.

I was afraid of being judged, too. I didn’t want other people to think I wasted my four years in Ateneo as a European Studies student only to take another course years after graduating. I was afraid that my parents might shake their heads in disappointment because they spent their money on a course I wouldn’t use.

What could have happened if I weren’t afraid and just enrolled? I could have finished my first year by now. I could have been practicing what I learned already. I could have been doing something I love and enjoy.

I have a long list of should have, would have, could haves if I didn’t let fear of judgment and failure get to me. But there’s no point in crying over spilled milk, right?

Who Moved My Cheese? reminded me that although it’s totally fine to hem and haw for a while when we are struck by a sudden change, the most important thing is to learn from what happened and take action.

Here’s a short animated film based on the book:

The film summarizes the message of the book, but I highly recommend that you read it page-per-page to get the full experience. The book is no more than PHP300 at National Bookstore. 🙂

Kimberley Reyes

Kimberley Reyes is an Online Business Manager for entrepreneurs who are ready to get off the hamster wheel and step into their CEO shoes. On top of helping her clients get organized and scale their businesses, she is also happily busy raising her five kids with her firefighter husband.

This Post Has 18 Comments

  1. peachkins

    I love reading books before but lost interest because of too many aspects of mommy life that’s keeping me busy. I think it’s also time I get back on track.

  2. lally

    I also love reading. I will check this book too…thanks for sharing sis..♥♥♥

  3. Janice Lim

    I love reading but I have to admit that this is one book I haven’t read yet. However, I’ve seen it in the bookstores since forever and have always been interested in it. That question you posted is indeed intriguing. It made me think too. Haha! I’m definitely adding this one to my book list. 🙂

  4. emiliana

    I used to be a bookworm. Reading this gave me an inspiration to start reading again. Thanks!

  5. mitchryan

    It is better to sit back, relax, and assess the whole situation before plunging into a decision. You might bite off more than you can chew.

  6. RyChelle Juadom

    Fear could be good in some ways because it prevents us from going overboard. It becomes a some sort of social or moral meter. But it shouldn’t hinder us from achieving/striving at anything in life.

    1. Kim Reyes

      The key is balance. We can’t be too scared to take action and we can’t be too daring to just do anything without thinking about it. Thanks for commenting!

  7. Roxi | Mr. Jacob's Mom

    Ay nako, I can relate! You know, it’s been two consecutive years that every September, I am thinking whether I should enroll to Dental school (I have a family of dentists and doctors — I’m the only one who’s not!). Every darn year! So many “should have” and “what ifs” but I’ve learned to let them go and accept that I don’t have to force myself into doing something just for money. 😉

  8. Kai Seashell

    Been hearing this for ages, but never really got around buying it. Thanks for the reminder! 🙂

  9. Camille Aguila

    It made me think too. What would I do if I weren’t afraid? I’m thinking, a lot!

    My last book was about some sexy and steamy action scenes of Mr. Grey. I bet it didn’t help me in anything. Haha! I’ll go look for this one too. 😀

  10. Theseller Frank

    I am not used to read books, but this one really encourage me to look for that book, not for me but for my wife. Thanks for this review. Keep blogging!

  11. Patty

    I’ve been wanting to read this book but I have yet to get my hands on a copy. I love to read, but I enjoy fiction more than self-help, inspirational, motivational and non-fiction titles. Part of my reading challenge for 2014 is to add more titles like this one to my list. 🙂

  12. Rikx Knows Best

    “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”
    This question haunted me for years now. I was too afraid of rejection and unsolicited comments from people who often times misunderstood your purpose. Glad to know I’m not the only one. There’s nothing wrong in trying other things until you find what’s best for you, diba?

    I’ll definitely let my kiddo read this in the future!

  13. Sally Yu

    I have read this long time ago but it was good that you reminded us about this again. I appreciated the lesson better after having watched this animated film version of the book. I can relate to it and I’m guilty about me so afraid of change. I always stayed in my comfort zone and have been so unproductive for the longest time. I really wanted to overcome my fear and face the unknown. Question: If you plan to face a change, would you first prepare for your Plan B or proceed and just jump directly to what you wanted to do?

    1. Kim Reyes

      I think the best thing to do is to evaluate all possible actions and their consequences. Once you figure out what you think is best for you, then that’s when you can work towards change. There will be some who are like Haw, who would take a while before jumping into something new. There are others who are like Sniff and Scurry who are always on the lookout for change; hence they are almost always ahead of the game. It depends on you on how you will react.

  14. Denise Rayala

    Uy, bluetooth tayo K! I’m back to my books, too. Will look for this when I visit NBS. ♡

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