The Chimp Paradox – Dr Steve Peters
The Chimp Paradox is the latest book by Dr Steve Peters who is credited with helping the olympic success of Sir Chris Hoy and Sir Bradley Wiggins, as well as working with elite athletes in 12 other olympic sports and high fliers in just about every profession. Described as the mind management programme for confidence, success and happiness,the book works through a simplified version of how the brain works and how your own experiences and prejudices can highjack your behaviour and limit success. I think ‘The Chimp Paradox’ is a stroke of genius, allowing the reader to get to the core of how our minds work without getting the reader bogged down in the science. As a scientist, Ill admit that initially I was irritated by the lack of references but as I worked through the book, I realised that it is part of its brilliance, by keeping the message simple, it gives the client, or in this case reader, a clear message that they can take away and work with. I think ‘The Chimp Paradox” is a worthwhile read whatever you do and whatever you would like to do. At best it may give you the nudge you need to beat your gremlins and reach for the stars, at worst you will look at all social interaction in a whole new light.