My Chimp Made Me Do It
Do you ever feel like you’ve lost control? Like a little homunculus inside you has suddenly burst with rage? The time between trigger and reaction is short—usually under ten seconds—but the feeling is intense, almost volcanic. The pressure builds quickly, and something inside you has to be released.
I blame my chimp brain for these moments of impulsive anger.
The “chimp,” a concept popularized by Professor Steve Peters in The Chimp Paradox, represents the emotional, impulsive part of our psyche. You can spot your chimp in action by asking yourself: “Do I really want this thought, feeling, or behaviour?” If the answer is no, chances are your chimp is calling the shots.
For me, the chimp often shows up as anger. But for others, it might be different: grabbing a chocolate bar at the till, saying something you regret in the heat of the moment, or accepting a cigarette you didn’t really want. These actions often happen in a kind of mental fog, and afterwards, you wonder: “What just happened?”
Peters describes the chimp like this:
“The Chimp represents the parts of your brain that you are not in control of. It thinks for us and makes decisions without our permission. The Chimp’s basis for thinking is feelings and impressions; it is emotionally driven, impulsive, and irrational.”
The danger of the chimp lies in its power and its persistence. It’s essential for our survival—quick emotional responses once kept us safe—but if left unchecked, it can drag us from one impulse-led decision to the next. Some of those decisions might be harmless, even fun. Others… not so much.
So, how do we manage the chimp without trying to silence it?
1. Buy Time
The best antidote to an impulsive reaction—especially anger—is time. When I feel triggered, I do my best to delay my response. Even 30 seconds can create space for the emotional surge to settle, giving the more rational “human” part of me a chance to speak.
2. Let It Burn Off
Give your chimp an outlet. That might mean going for a run, venting to a trusted friend, or scribbling in a journal. Channeling that energy helps the chimp burn off steam, making space for clarity to follow.
3. Nurture, Don’t Neglect
Your chimp needs care too. If you're overwhelmed by a task and your mind is spiraling with self-doubt or fear, don’t battle your chimp—bargain with it. Break the task into small, manageable chunks. Offer little rewards (yes, even biscuits!) after each win. Distraction or encouragement can go a long way in calming the inner chaos.
Ultimately, the chimp isn’t your enemy—it’s part of you. You can’t cage it, and you shouldn’t want to. It gives life colour, passion, spontaneity. It’s what makes us human. Unlike ChatGPT, you’re gloriously emotional, unpredictable, and alive.
So the question is:
Are you in control of your chimp—or is your chimp in control of you?
And more importantly… what kind of relationship do you want to build with it?
