The human mind runs on three systems:
The human system – This is things that require active thinking, this system is slower and can break down each element to help the best action.
The chimp system – The chimp system acts on emotion; it reacts quicker than the human system. Steve Peters uses the analogy of Ronnie O’Sullivan walking out of the world championships snooker. His chimp system was over-reacting, telling him he doesn’t want to be here. He let it take control and it told him to walk out.
The computer system – This is the bodies autopilot, where we don’t need to think. Like when you are moving around your house or cooking the lunch you have most days.
People need to learn to box up traumatic events and learn to not let it affect your life. Steve calls these goblins because in some cases we may not be able to get rid, just control them.
The brain is trying to fix trauma, sometimes the remedy is time to let this take place.
The chimp system naturally has self-esteem problems and compares themselves to others. Social media can be detrimental to this. The chimp always wants to be favoured by the powerful chimps and looks to please them all. The chimp system also builds tribes, which is why teenage boys are commonly trying to be friends with as many people as possible. People need to be taught that the people closest to them matter most.
Writing down what you really want to be allows you to get to the bottom of who you really are.
Learning to control your chimp will lead to better commitment.