The Chimp Paradox: The Mind Management Program to Help You Achieve Success, Confidence, and Happiness

by Steve Peters

The “one in five” rule None of us likes to be unpopular or misunderstood. However, in the real world, being misunderstood or not liked is going to happen. If you took five people from the population and asked them if they liked you or understood you, then you are likely to get the following response. One of them will love you and understand you regardless of what you do or say. That person will be on your side. One of them will dislike you and not understand you, no matter what you do. Three of them will be more balanced and will assess you in an objective manner. This means that you really have to accept that there are a few million people in each of these categories, so expect to have enemies who are against you and don’t like you and criticize you no matter what you do. Often these people are very unreasonable and very vocal and there is nothing you can do to change this. Try to ignore unbalanced and opinionated criticism of you. Rather, listen to the balanced majority who will be supportive and have constructive comments, even though at times they may be critical.