If I were to ask a question of how you navigate change your answer would be on many levels of thought.
Your answer would partly derive from your ability in being adaptable.
Adaptable Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster
Each of us must be able to adjust to new conditions as I’m reminded of the book “Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life” by Dr. Spencer Johnson.
There are four characters in Who Moved My Cheese. Sniff and Scurry (The Mice) and Hem and Haw, (The Little people) who navigated the maze all had characteristics readily seen in people.
“Sometimes we may act like Sniff-Who sniffs out change early; or Scurry, who scurries into action; or Hem who denies and resists change as he fears it will lead to something worse; or Haw who learns to adapt in time when he sees changing can lead to something better.”
Dr. Spencer Johnson, Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life was published on September 7, 1998.
For a book to have been written in 1998, Dr. Spencer Johnson’s business box is still valid today.
Although it’s packed with various quotes my favorite is “If you do not change, you can become extinct.”
If you have not read this book, you won’t regret reading it.
Today, with so many beliefs and personality behaviors getting someone to change or go against their core personality traits to find “new cheese” is challenging yet we must do what is required.
The one constant thing in our lives is change.
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future” – John F Kennedy.
Adapting to Change: Why It Matters and How to Do It – LifeHack
Have you ever thought about those unable to adapt to new conditions?
I will let you know they are not in business anymore. (Companies such as Polaroid, Blockbuster, and Toys R Us are good examples that didn’t change fast enough.
10 Companies That Failed To Innovate, Resulting In Business Failure (collectivecampus.io)
Have you ever heard of Moore’s Law?
Moore’s Law and not to be confused with Murphy’s Law is about change. We can thank Gordon Moore (dating back to the 1960s) when Intel made its first Central Processing Unit (CPU) with 2,300 transistors. Today the average CPU has a few billion transistors with speeds over 4 GHZ.
The bottom line is the phone in our pocket has many times more computing power than the computers that put the man on the moon.
Your Mobile Phone vs. Apollo 11’s Guidance Computer | RealClearScience
Many of us are experiencing the impacts of Moore’s Law and don’t even know it.
What is Moore’s Law? – Our World in Data
However, embracing change is not all about technology, it’s much bigger.
It’s about understanding our grandchildren; becoming an empty nester, getting old, people dying, friends not being available, moving to a new location, having a change of life, women experiencing menopause, men experiencing erectile dysfunction, decisions in life; finding the next chapter of your life, retirement, leadership changing out in various organizations, authority, politics, dealing with Alzheimer and Dementia, an our bodies changing.
The list above, I created all happened in less than two minutes, which means I’ve only scratched the surface as it relates to embracing change.
As someone big on emotional intelligence, I also know we must all be more resilient and adapt as part of our well-being.
Embracing Change: A Guide to Personal Growth and Well-being – Leaders that grow
On this Monday, I can’t help but stop and think about the recent tragedies with Hurricane Helene and all those who have been without power for over a week.
Hurricane Helene: Over 220 dead as some communities struggle to get basic supplies (nbcnews.com)
We must now embrace change also with the war between Israel and Iran and the effects of rising oil prices and the Mideast tensions.
Whether we want to accept it or not, we must embrace change as Israel launches new rocket strikes on Beirut and Hezbollah. I’m sure over the next few weeks or months we must also embrace change in our economy even though the war is outside of the United States.
Many of us last year saw the rising prices of groceries, the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and the recent port strike after some 45,000 dockworkers at East and Gulf Coast ports went on strike.
Although the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) suspended its three-day strike until January 15, 2025, bringing workers back on the job, which is critical for the economy, everyone must embrace change.
Many of us remember the 2020 Pandemic and the scarcity syndrome or scarcity mindset with toilet paper syndrome.
Port strike: Why were people panic buying toilet paper again? (usatoday.com)
Sometimes we can’t even see it coming. Things we take for granted that are available every day are no longer there.
Embracing change is everywhere, even in our backyards.
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” ~André Gide (French author and winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1947.)
I believe you will enjoy watching “Embracing Change” featuring Marco Marsans during his TEDxDeerfield talk on YouTube.
Today, with so much change in our lives, I challenge you to take a moment and reflect on your life and how you have adapted and embraced change over the last year.
I agree with Nick Jonas “Life happens. Adapt. Embrace change and make the most of everything that comes your way.”
Who Moved My Cheese is the best way to describe us. We often grow comfortable in our environment, and making changes can be difficult. Yet, we are constantly forced to adapt to meet new challenges.
The biggest change in my life was moving to the U.S. for graduate school, navigating the language barrier and cultural differences. However, that experience showed me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. Life, despite its challenges, is beautiful.
Change comes either by force or by choice—sometimes we seek the challenge and the growth that comes with it. After retiring, I decided to focus on things I never had time for before.
Just last month, I published my latest book, Wildlife in Color: Animal Expressions, which features over 100 wildlife paintings I’ve created over the past 25 years. Alongside the art are the stories behind what inspired each piece.
This is my third art book, and I am committed to continuing the documentation of my work. It’s my way of completing my journey and leaving a legacy to inspire future generations.”
Caroline,
I’m so proud to have met you and salute you for all your accomplishment.
Thank you so much for sharing your personal stories.
McKinley
McKinley,
“Who Moved My Cheese” An awesome book about change and being prepared for change. I still have my book. So much is happening so fast. Today’s post discusses many vulnerabilities. Today’s post is provocative.
Thank you.
Lucretia
Lucretia,
Time waits for no one, and I’m honored that you still have your copy of “Who Moved My Cheese.” We are a vulnerable country where many still take the small things for granted.
McKinley
McKinley,
Change can be difficult and not always accepted. I have to deal with change often in my life, but I realize that without those hard changes I wouldn’t be where I am today. Change is sometimes hard but necessary!!!
Scott,
Thank you for being transparent. We all must accept change whether we want to or not no matter how difficult it is. You are not alone. I agree “Change is sometimes hard but necessary!”
McKinley
Hello. My biggest change this year was losing my Mom. It is the hardest change in my life. It has left a big void in my life. I know that Mom wants me to go on and be the best that I can be and continue to support my family and friends. Thanks for an informative post.
Don,
First and foremost, my condolences for the loss of your Mother. I too had to accept that change in 2016 when my mother passed a few days before Christmas. Don, I’m sure like you, that your Mother provided you the encouragement to be your best. If we know, we know. Your words humble me as I read your comments.
CM