by Barry Goldberg
ETP member since 2008 and Lamplighter Newsletter contributing writer

One of the things that holds back many people is their resistance to change. To succeed in the business world, you need to first recognize that change is happening, and then quickly adapt to the change. While such a simple philosophy, there are so many of us who are not very good at handling change. I know because for way too many years, I was one of those people.

Then one of my managers recommended the book, ―Who Moved My Cheese, and ever since, I have been a convert. I loved the book so much that I immediately went out and bought copies of the book for every member of my team and made it required reading for them followed up a training session to discuss the book.

The premise of the book is about two mice that go the same spot everyday in a maze looking for their daily cheese. One day the cheese is moved to another location. One of the mice went looking for the cheese in another location while the other mouse stayed in the old location waiting for the cheese to return. The mouse that went looking for cheese in the new location thrived as it found the cheese while the other mouse did not fare so well.

Apply this to the business world. First, you need to realize when change is happening. This requires you to be aware of your environment and read the signs. We’ve all seen signs of impending change that we refuse to comprehend. The change can be small or it can be life-changing. Regardless it is best to be ahead of the change and be proactive, rather than simply reacting to the change. Second, when change does happen, quickly figure out what you need to do to adapt to it, and then do it.

So if your cheese has been moved, be the mouse that goes looking for new cheese. Follow this simple philosophy throughout your career and your personal life and you will be all the better for it. 

Now go find that cheese!

To read more, pick up a copy of the book Who Moved My Cheese? It is a quick read and well worth it.

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