On May 6th we had the opportunity to participate in a new session as part of the Arcadia Training4Life program.
The workshop was coordinated by psychologist Loredana Iacob and addressed the topic “The Labyrinth of Change: The Path from Resistance to Action.”
Dr. Iacob used a well-known story – “Who Moved My Cheese?” (1998) by Dr. Spencer Johnson, to illustrate the different ways we behave when change occurs in various work/life situations.
Topics We Explored
In this session, we talked about the hidden forces that hold us back when change enters our lives. Change, whether expected or sudden, often triggers resistance rooted in fear, habit, uncertainty, or a sense of loss. Understanding these obstacles is the first step toward moving through them with greater awareness and intention.
Then, we turned our attention to the resources available to us, both internal and external. What could help us navigate the challenges that change brings? These may include mindset, support networks, past experiences of resilience, and practical tools that empower us to respond rather than simply react.
Finally, through a personal self-assessment, we reflected on which stage of the change process we most commonly find ourselves in. By recognizing our own patterns and tendencies, we can develop a clearer sense of how to take meaningful action when change comes knocking, transforming it from a source of anxiety into an opportunity for growth.
If we were to formulate the most important one line take-away from the story, it would be the following question: “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” written by Haw on the wall of the maze. In work and life, most resistance to change is rooted in fear, not logic. Those who adapt thrive; those who don’t get left behind.
Core Lessons for Work & Life
Here are some important takeaways from the session:
- Change is part of life. Comfortable routines can blind you to shifting circumstances. As much as possible, stay alert to signals that things are changing.
- Clinging to the past holds you back. The biggest trap is expecting things to go back to how they were. Letting go of “old cheese” is the first step forward.
- Fear is the real obstacle, not change itself. Haw’s turning point comes when he realizes that imagining the new cheese ahead is more powerful than fearing the unknown.
- Move early and move often. The longer you wait, the harder the transition. Small, proactive adjustments are easier than one big, forced leap.
- Enjoy the journey, not just the destination. Haw finds satisfaction and even excitement in the search itself, a reminder that adaptability is a skill worth developing.
- New situations bring new opportunities. The new cheese station is bigger and better than the old one. Change, though uncomfortable, often leads to growth.
As previously, we were delighted to collaborate with Loredana. The session was thoughtfully structured, and each segment flowed naturally into the next, making the content easy to follow and internalize.
What stood out most was her ability to hold space for a diverse group of participants and meet every question with patience and depth, things that we honestly appreciate and are thankful for.