Somehow I ended up with a copy of this book, and rediscovered it, yes, when digging around in a cupboard the other day.
Let’s cut straight to the chase…
Hem and Haw awoke each day a little later, dressed a little slower, and walked to Cheese Station C. After all, they knew where the cheese was now and how to get there. They had no idea where the cheese came from, or who put it there. They just assumed it would be there.
So, you know, how about Cheese Station… like, G, then?
After a while Hem’s and Haw’s confidence grew into arrogance. Soon they became so comfortable they didn’t even notice what was happening.
I know some people find Who moved my cheese? a tad condescending, but its warning about becoming overly dependent, or too comfortable, with the way things are seems especially pertinent at the moment.
And with my point made, it’s back to the cupboard for Who moved my cheese?
Hi John,
I’ve read Who moved my cheese? several times and I think the lessons are quite good. With that said I’d like to share this amazing lecture with you.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=362421849901825950&hl=en
Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch, who is dying from pancreatic cancer, gave his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007. In his moving talk, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” Pausch talked about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own career and personal goals.
And here’s a link to Dr. Pausch’s own Web site.
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/
And some coverage in the Wall Street Journal.
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB119024238402033039.html
There is a tribute quiz on the lecture at http://www.mystudiyo.com/activity.php?act=558 : you can add your own questions at the end of the quiz.
Some lessons which especially moved me:
1. Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things.
2. Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.
3. Never lose the child-like wonder.
4. If we do something which is pioneering, we will get arrows in the back. But at the end of the day, a whole lot of people will have a whole lot of fun.
5. Be good at something; it makes you valuable.
6. If you live your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself, and the dreams will come to you.
Sara
I’d just like to say that “Who Moved My Cheese” was simple, but effective in making its point. But it’s only good for one read… not much repeat value.
@ Sara - thanks for sharing you WMMC insights and links :)
@ Mark - WMMC is indeed simple, and not something you’d read ALL the time, but I dare say it would make for useful refresher reading during times of change :)
hi there… 2 years ago my college prof. lectured about “who moved my cheese”.. all in our class was so inspired and become open minded on changes in life.. we’re very greatful that we Dr. johnson came up with this book.. i think. this book is not only useful to the business world.. it should also be open to the youth…
The lessons in WMMC are certainly valuable. The challenge is keeping them fresh in your mind. Especially if your circumstances have been relatively stable, and without variation, for an extended period of time. Dealing with a sudden spate of major changes in that sort of a situation can catch people unawares to say the least.