In his book Who Moved My Cheese, Spencer Johnson covers how individuals cope with change that takes place in daily lives and affects them in numerous respects, both pleasantly and badly. Change processes are a fundamental component of human existence that imply direct and indirect actions that people participate in when they try to alter troublesome habits (Corey & Corey, 2010). The book approaches both what occurs when you adjust to change and what arises when you do not believe in an entertaining manner. In the story, the symbolism of cheese representing what you desire in life is employed. The maze also represented the environment in which the shift takes place, which may be a workplace, family, or other institution. I was able to reflect on my approach to dealing with change and recognize the shift in my strategies by relating to one of the major characters.
I often find that I can only deal with change once it has already occurred in my life, without considering the alternatives beforehand. I drew a number of parallels to the character Haw. When he discovered that the station was stocked with plenty of cheese, he settled down at the station with his friend Hem and enjoyed the cheese, not realizing that there would soon be a scarcity. Haw, according to the author, is someone who “learns to adapt in time when he sees changing can lead to something better” (Johnson, 1999, p. 4). Unlike his companion, who did not want to make an attempt to change the situation, Haw did not stay unhappy for long and instead began to think of solutions. Making adjustments is challenging if one is in denial. According to Corey & Corey (2010), identifying who you are right now is the first step toward making improvements. Haw and Hem stand for two distinct personality types: those that are quick to notice changes and those who stay in a frightened state for a long period, sometimes even refusing to recover from the trauma.
Haw’s character growth made me think of a certain circumstance in my own life. It was my first part-time job at a local diner, I enjoyed earning my own money and being able to afford certain things. However, just like the character, I was not thinking about the future and did not anticipate that I could lose this job, which was very helpful at the time. I felt it was unfair that I was fired from my work owing to a personnel reduction, and I was genuinely sad, stuck in a contemplation stage. Nevertheless, that depressing time did not stay long since I promptly began researching the market, looking for alternatives.
My action stage started when I picked an option that was even better than my previous job because it offered more advantages and opportunities. I started adjusting and learning the skills I would need for the work because I was poorly qualified for it. I informed my former coworkers about the opportunity, who had also been fired, but they were unwilling to put up the effort necessary to become competent and preferred to work in a similar sector, just like Johnson’s character Hem. Eventually, I think my efforts paid off since I was increasing my earnings, and I had acquired crucial skills for working in a corporate setting.
I expect my coping mechanisms to change as a result of that event, as I strive to plan ahead and be ready for any outcome. Planning ahead would give me crucial advantages, and I would be able to prevent relapse. In terms of my situation and how my approach to change is likely to alter, I think it has to do with the growth mindset. If an individual has a robust growth mindset, they are more inclined to think that talents and skills can be learned and developed (Han et al., 2018). As a result, these attitudes encourage overall self-efficacy and drive to participate in active learning. In general, having a growth mindset would make it easier for me to think that I could improve myself and cope with the change using my present skills and efforts.
References
Corey, G., & Corey, M. S. (2010). I never knew I had a choice: Explorations in personal growth (PSY 103 towards self-understanding) (9th ed.). Brooks / Cole / Cengage Learning.
Han, H., Choi, Y. J., Dawson, K. J., & Jeong, C. (2018). Moral growth mindset is associated with change in voluntary service engagement. PLOS ONE, 13(8), e0202327.
Johnson, S. (1999). Who moved my cheese (8th ed.). G. P. Putnam’s Sons.