Book Review - Who Moved my Cheese?

By dougnau on Jun 14, 2008 in Book Reviews, Lifestyle Change

Background

No website committed to coaching, personal growth and lifestyle change would be complete without at least one reference to the 1998 best seller by Spencer Johnson, M.D., Who Moved My Cheese? - available in both hard copy and audio format.

As described in the opening pages, this book began as a story, so simple yet powerful that the author needed to share it with the world. The success this little book has achieved at becoming a powerhouse in the topic of change, particularly in the workplace is nothing short of phenomenal. In fact, the first time I was introduced to the book was when my wife brought it home from her dental office. Not the typical environment you’d consider when you think about personal growth and development. My point - Its reach in society has been amazing.

Doug’s Review & Commentary

As the humorous title may indicate, this book is very light. The hardcover format only 94 pages makes for an easy read. The audio format can be listened to in just about an hour. The length and format of the book (like a children’s story), is in part the reason it has generated such widespread success. Its easy to pick up in a single afternoon, read through it and pass it along to a co-worker - as they were doing in my wife’s office.

The main characters, two little people and two mice living together in a maze set the stage for clear and straightforward metaphor that demonstrates several approaches to change that we find in society today. Its easy to find your own personal habits present in the characters depicted in the story. Spencer Johnson does a great job at framing the story around discussions which empower the reader to think about how they could apply the book in their own life, without telling them what they must do. It truly is a life coaching book because it allows the reader to see their own personal tendencies and habits for themselves without coming straight out and telling you where your limitations are. Any book that can open up your mind to insight and personal extrapolation rather than simply providing information has done its job at providing a coaching moment. This book does so effortlessly and powerfully.

I’ve written a number of articles on create lifestyle change, goal setting, establishing a vision to create change, and taking action. To date I’ve yet to write an article on ‘why’ someone should change (good fodder for a future topic!). Who Moved My Cheese? is the best book I could recommend to answer that question for yourself. A real thumbs up on this one - again, for those of you that don’t have the time, the audio version can be listened to in about an hour - this will make your drive go by in a breeze!

Who is this for?

This book is written for the general masses. People that are finding that they are stagnating at work or in their personal life could draw particular benefit from it. People that are aggressive movers and shakers will also enjoy the principles that are very validating with respect to their approach. The need for change can creep up on anyone if they are not paying close attention to their surroundings and if they are not embracing the opportunities that present themselves. Even those most willing to change may not have their eyes open to the reality of what is happening, and this book serves its purpose of widening one’s perspective. As noted - I highly recommend this book to anyone - particularly those looking at a starting point for creating lifestyle change.