The Chimp Paradox: The Mind Management Program to Help You Achieve Success, Confidence, and Happiness Paperback – Illustrated, 30 May 2013

It took me some months to complete this book. Not because it is tedious or badly written but because the concepts take time to absorb and begin to make sense.Peters' credentials, his work with British Cycling, are flawless. The language used is clearly designed to be understood by the vast majority of people. The concepts are, however, hardcore science and very powerful. Watch out for self-help junkies commenting negatively - if they can quote a string of other books they deem better then clearly nothing so far is working for them. This book will work for most people willing to listen and implement the lessons.Take your time. If you're going to change your life you won't do it by reading a book in 24 hours. It will take months, maybe a year or two. Understand each idea totally before moving to the next. Each idea on its own is relatively easy to grasp but there are loads of them and stitching them all together in a useful way takes time and patience.I found some of the metaphors confusing at times. Humans and chimps fine. Then add computers, gremlins, goblins, autopilots and it's starting to get mixed up. And then add stones of life, planets, moons, and at one point cogs, and you wonder if there may have been a more consistent method of presenting the ideas. Don't make the mistake of dismissing the messages because you don't like how they are delivered though. See through the metaphorical irritations.At the start of the book I had a highly paid but stressful job 200 miles from home, living out of a suitcase 4 days a week. Irritable, irritated, and irritating to others. Today, as I finish it, I've changed jobs, pay cut but still comfortably paid, a short commute from home. Changed the car, and have gone on holiday for the first time in 2 years. I felt my life changing as soon as I made decisions to solve everything making me stressed and unhappy, as soon as I started managing that chimp inside me and learning to recognise and deal with other chimps around me.I must've changed to others too. Not only did I walk the interview for my new job but my old colleagues, with the single exception of the boss (complete with out of control misplaced ego / chimp) who was recipient of some honest feedback, all said how they would genuinely miss me with an affection I hadn't realised existed. At home and with friends I'm more relaxed and sociable, less introverted and more confident than I can ever recall since very young childhood.Next task... start the book again from the beginning as I'm sure I've missed things or not really understood them first time. I expect my journey to take a year or so but others may take more or less time. A friend also reading the book is going slower than me. It is good to have someone else working through the book though as you can talk chimp things through without appearing a nutcase.Don't rush this - it's like doing a university course over a couple of terms not a weekend read. No-one can guarantee success but I wish those who give it a genuine go the very best of luck, though you make your own luck really and this book shows you how. Off for some sangria overlooking the blue ocean now. Thanks Dr Steve Peters.

I can't recommend "The Chimp Paradox: The Mind Management Programme" enough! This book truly lives up to its reputation as a life-changing read. From the very first page, I found myself captivated by Dr. Steve Peters' insightful approach to understanding and managing the complexities of our minds.This book offers an incredibly practical framework that empowers you to navigate your thoughts, emotions, and decisions with newfound clarity. Dr. Peters' "Chimp Model" is a game-changer, helping you identify and work with your emotional side in a way that's both enlightening and empowering. As I delved deeper into the chapters, I felt like I was uncovering hidden keys to unlocking my full potential.What sets "The Chimp Paradox" apart is its ability to strike a perfect balance between scientific depth and reader-friendly language. You don't need to be a psychology expert to grasp the concepts; Dr. Peters explains everything in a relatable and engaging manner. It's like having a personal mentor guiding you through the fascinating landscape of your own mind.Since reading this book, I've witnessed profound positive changes in how I approach challenges, communicate with others, and manage my stress. The techniques shared here are not just theories – they're practical tools that you can apply immediately to enhance your daily life.If you're looking for a transformative read that can genuinely impact your mindset and help you achieve a higher level of self-awareness, "The Chimp Paradox" is the answer. It's an investment in your personal growth and well-being that you won't regret. Dive into this book with an open mind, and you'll be rewarded with a wealth of wisdom that can shape your life for the better.

This is a surprisingly good book. It is important to read the honest foreword/introduction: what the book presents is /not/ a deep physical model of our mind. One has to trust that what is proposed does match with physiological evidence and just "go with the flow" of what is suggested as a working model of one's mind.Thereafter, what is proposed as the coexistence of TWO separate, independent, conflicting entities in our mind - the Chimp and the Human - is just really well matching anybody's experience. That is the force of the proposed model: it matches one's (and everyone's) reality so well.All of a sudden, so many aspects of relationships and interactions are SO clear. It is just amazing.That does not mean that one's issues are solved, though. No magic pill I guess. Instead, it is possible to put this knowledge to work and start observing and getting to know what our Chimp wants, what our Human wants, and build a reality that makes both happy.Personally, I found relief in Peters' statement that you can never overpower your Chimp: he's naturally stronger than your Human. I struggled with this for a long time. Now no more :-)Recommended, read it!

What a brilliant read. A game changer for me in my life. What a superb superb read. Absolutely brilliant! Cool.

Great book to read this . Great way of looking at the brain and how to deal with things in life