Out of the Maze

“Beliefs are ideas that we trust, but we can choose to change them — and in doing so, open doors to new opportunities and fulfillment.”

1. Life Is Constantly Changing, and Clinging to the Past Is Futile

Change can feel overwhelming because it represents the end of the world as we know it. In the story, Hem and Haw initially find happiness with a steady supply of cheese at Cheese Station C, until the cheese disappears. Haw eventually ventures out to find new cheese, but Hem stays put, waiting for the old cheese to return.

Hem’s experience demonstrates how hard it can be to let go of a past source of comfort, whether it’s a personal relationship, a job, or a lifestyle. He resents the loss of the cheese and feels abandoned by Haw’s decision to move forward.

By holding onto the past, Hem creates a cycle of loneliness and fear. His resistance reflects how people often cling to familiarity, even when change and growth beckon. Moving forward requires letting go—not just of the thing that’s gone but also of the old habits and mindset tied to it.

Examples

• Hem’s refusal to leave Cheese Station C, believing the cheese might return.
• Haw’s decision to move forward, symbolizing the willingness to adapt.
• Real-life example: Industries like Blockbuster failing to adapt to digital shifts.

2. New Sources of Fulfillment Are Waiting To Be Discovered

When Hem finally ventures out of Cheese Station C, he discovers apples, a new source of nourishment, through the guidance of Hope. Initially skeptical, Hem realizes he doesn’t just need cheese to survive.

This mirrors the idea that alternatives to our old sources of happiness and success often await us, though they may feel unfamiliar at first. These new opportunities might look different, but they can fulfill us just as much — or even more — than the old ones.

Despite discovering apples, Hem initially continues searching for cheese, showing how hard it can be to accept alternatives. Like Hem, many of us get stuck pursuing old patterns, even when life presents new options.

Examples

• Hem’s cautious exploration of the maze for food.
• Hope offering Hem apples, a symbolic new source of fulfillment.
• Professionals finding new careers after layoffs by embracing opportunities outside their traditional industries.

3. Change Can Erode Confidence, but Belief Rebuilds It

In their search for food, Hem and Hope struggle through tough times. Hem becomes nostalgic for the past and loses his sense of strength. He assumes that working harder will bring back the old days, but Hope challenges him to adopt a new mindset.

Hem initially resists this idea, reflecting how people are often reluctant to change beliefs tied to their identity. Yet belief becomes a pathway to regaining self-assurance. It’s not just about working harder but about seeing things with fresh eyes and opening up to new approaches.

By examining the impact of old beliefs, Hem realizes that they are just ideas he can choose to replace. This realization helps him rediscover his courage and adjust his perspective.

Examples

• Hope encouraging Hem to consider new possibilities when old strategies fail.
• Hem’s resistance to change because his beliefs feel integral to his identity.
• A laid-off lawyer redefining happiness outside the legal profession.

4. Beliefs Are Ideas We Choose to Trust

Hem comes to understand a profound truth: beliefs aren’t fixed; they’re simply thoughts we place our trust in. This means that beliefs can be examined, questioned, and even altered without changing our core selves.

For Hem, the journey begins when he challenges his idea that cheese is the only source of nourishment. By trying apples, he proves to himself that beliefs can be upgraded. Changing beliefs doesn’t alter who we are; it enriches how we experience life.

This insight empowers Hem to take control of his mindset. Instead of being defined by rigid beliefs, he realizes he has the freedom to shape them purposefully to explore new possibilities.

Examples

• Hem recognizing that trying apples represented a shift in his beliefs.
• Differentiating between beliefs and our true selves, illustrating that we can adapt without losing authenticity.
• Entrepreneurs embracing new markets by challenging traditional business practices.

5. Openness to the Unknown Unlocks Possibilities

When Hope suggests escaping the maze altogether, Hem initially struggles to imagine a world outside its walls. His familiarity with the maze limits his ability to dream of something different, let alone better.

Hope inspires him to take a leap of faith by believing in what he cannot fully conceive. Whether it’s finding new relationships, new careers, or new ways of thinking, exploring unfamiliar paths often leads us to opportunity.

Much like trying apples, believing in the unknown requires both courage and a willingness to embrace potential outcomes even before they reveal themselves.

Examples

• Hem grappling with the idea of life beyond the maze.
• Hope symbolizing the belief in endless possibilities.
• Professionals pursuing unconventional career changes that lead to unexpected success.

6. Fears and Limiting Beliefs Can Be Let Go

Hem overcomes his fear of the maze by realizing that danger is just another belief he can choose to abandon. Fear had been holding him back, preventing exploration.

Exploring dark corners and entering the unknown are metaphors for pushing past limiting beliefs. Hem’s willingness to face these fears eventually leads him to freedom.

By challenging limiting beliefs, we often find they are less justified than we thought. The process allows us to grow, confronting obstacles we had initially deemed insurmountable.

Examples

• Hem deciding to stop believing the maze is dangerous.
• Exploring unknown parts of life, such as new opportunities or relationships, despite initial hesitation.
• Writers or artists taking risks on styles they previously avoided.

7. Persistence Amplifies Possibility

After finding what first appears to be an empty room, Hem almost gives up. But Hope’s encouragement helps him look again, uncovering a crack that leads to the outside world.

This teaches a key lesson: early disappointments don’t mean we should turn back. Exploring possibilities fully often requires persistence, even when results aren’t immediately visible.

Hem’s success underscores the power of perseverance combined with belief in possibility. Together, they create the conditions for uncovering hidden pathways to fulfillment.

Examples

• Persistence helping Hem find freedom from the maze.
• Inventors like Thomas Edison succeeding after numerous failures.
• A rejected manuscript that eventually becomes a bestselling novel.

8. Other People Are Essential to Navigating Change

Hope’s role in Hem’s journey highlights the importance of companionship and guidance. She represents not only a literal character but also the metaphorical force of hope itself.

By working together, Hem and Hope find support and insights that neither would have achieved alone. This reflects how collaboration and mutual encouragement make navigating change easier.

In our own lives, family, friends, and partners often play similar roles, reminding us of possibilities we may overlook when we’re stuck.

Examples

• Hope introducing Hem to apples and aiding his exploration.
• Haw’s journey inspiring Hem to reconsider his own path.
• Peer mentorship in career transitions offering valuable guidance.

9. The Power of Belief Spans Individuals and Societies

Beliefs shape not only individual lives but also historical trends and industries. From the Titanic disaster to the fall of Blockbuster, false beliefs have influenced major outcomes.

On a personal level, the author’s acceptance of his terminal cancer and decision to focus on relationships exemplifies how belief can shift even in hardship. By embracing change, he found growth and connection in the face of loss.

This demonstrates that changing beliefs is relevant across scales, from everyday challenges to global shifts. Both good and bad beliefs steer the course of history.

Examples

• Belief in the Titanic’s unsinkability leading to inadequate lifeboats.
• Industries like news and video rental failing to adapt to digital innovations.
• Personal acceptance of health challenges redirecting focus from pain to purpose.

Takeaways

1. Reflect on your beliefs, focusing on which ones limit you and which ones can be replaced with new ideas.
2. Seek out the unknown with openness, embracing opportunities even if they feel unfamiliar or uncertain.
3. Rely on others for help and encouragement, knowing that cooperation amplifies success in adapting to change.