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The Perfection Detox: Tame Your Inner Critic, Live Bravely, and Unleash Your Joy
Award-winning fitness professional and consultant shares a practical, accessible program to help women replace destructive perfectionistic mindsets with concrete strategies and life-changing tips.
Tired. Stressed. Overwhelmed. Just one more email, one more meeting with the kid's teacher, oh and lose that last five pounds. Today, women are striving for perfection more than ever -- and feeling like failures for not meeting unattainable goals. Health and wellness expert Petra Kolber knows this intimately; as a dancer and fitness professional, she's experienced the ultimately dissatisfying quest for perfection. Her Perfection Detox program helps women to overcome the unhealthy, unproductive demands we place on ourselves -- and others. Based on her popular workshops, Kolber's strategies help women to recognize and constructively root out the perfectionistic impulse to be critical of self or others and to harness the power of our own internal resources, willpower, and habits.
With simple steps and strategies such as adjusting your internal monologue, cleaning up your vocabulary to include more positive language, becoming a passionist rather than a perfectionist, and more, The Perfection Detox is an essential guide to a healthy, full, authentic life.
Tired. Stressed. Overwhelmed. Just one more email, one more meeting with the kid's teacher, oh and lose that last five pounds. Today, women are striving for perfection more than ever -- and feeling like failures for not meeting unattainable goals. Health and wellness expert Petra Kolber knows this intimately; as a dancer and fitness professional, she's experienced the ultimately dissatisfying quest for perfection. Her Perfection Detox program helps women to overcome the unhealthy, unproductive demands we place on ourselves -- and others. Based on her popular workshops, Kolber's strategies help women to recognize and constructively root out the perfectionistic impulse to be critical of self or others and to harness the power of our own internal resources, willpower, and habits.
With simple steps and strategies such as adjusting your internal monologue, cleaning up your vocabulary to include more positive language, becoming a passionist rather than a perfectionist, and more, The Perfection Detox is an essential guide to a healthy, full, authentic life.
256 pages, Paperback
Published August 14, 2018
146 people are currently reading
845 people want to read
About the author
Petra Kolber
2 books7 followersPetra Kolber is an internationally renowned fitness expert and wellness leader who is known throughout the industry as a crusader for change and a beacon of authentic happiness. In her 25 years in the fitness world she has starred in and choreographed sixty award winning videos and fitness programs, and has spoken live to thousands of motivated followers. As a national workshop leader and keynote speaker she inspires people around the globe to stand up for their lives and live profoundly from their hearts. She has been a consultant and contributor to many national fitness magazines and has been named Fitness Crusader Of The Year by Health Magazine. She has been the face and voice of leading food and fitness companies such as Reebok, Spry Living, Yes Fitness Music, and California Walnuts.
As a two-time cancer survivor, she is passionate about waking people up to the precious gift of time. Her mission is to inspire people to move more and fear less, so that they can stretch their dreams, strengthen their courage muscle and build an inspired life, full of joy and gratitude.
In her spare time Petra is an aspiring DJ, a budding cook, an avid traveler, and podcast maven who feels deeply blessed on the mornings she can wake up early enough to watch the sunrise.
As a two-time cancer survivor, she is passionate about waking people up to the precious gift of time. Her mission is to inspire people to move more and fear less, so that they can stretch their dreams, strengthen their courage muscle and build an inspired life, full of joy and gratitude.
In her spare time Petra is an aspiring DJ, a budding cook, an avid traveler, and podcast maven who feels deeply blessed on the mornings she can wake up early enough to watch the sunrise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 25, 2020
Rating: 3 stars
Category: Non-fiction
Content Warnings: References to alcoholic parent, body-shaming, self-esteem issues
Synopsis:
Petra Kolber began her career as a fitness instructor, but she soon began to notice the impact perfectionism was having on the women she coached. Now she runs perfection detox workshops built around her 21-step programme, which aims to support women in the journey towards embracing their flawed, imperfect, yet wonderfully unique selves.
The Perfection Detox is subtitled ‘Tame Your Inner Critic, Live Bravely, and Unleash Your Joy’ – I think we could all use some of that!
Review:
First Page Impressions
When I saw this audiobook on BorrowBox, I was immediately drawn to it. I am a self-confessed perfectionist: someone who obsessively checks emails for typos before sending, becomes far too invested in my university grades and generally just fears failure.
My inner list-loving perfectionist found the step-by-step structure of this book ideal to work through. Even more importantly, Kolber creates a sense of community and that anyone struggling with perfectionist tendencies is not alone.
However, I did struggle with the style of writing until I became more used to it – Kolber’s background in motivational speaking came through clearly, but I have a personal preference for a gentler, less forceful tone.
Final Page Reflections
The Perfection Detox provides some genuinely useful advice and resources. My top three were:
1. Identifying your top negative thoughts and mantras to overcome them when they pop up
2. Goal mapping
3. The VIA Character Strengths test to find out your most positive attributes – for example, mine are love of learning, fairness and honesty. These are great for replacing negative self-talk, as it can be hard to focus on your strengths without a clear idea of what they are!
On the other hand, I was unable to relate to any of the real-life examples Kolber gives. I appreciate their purpose was to show concrete instances of perfection detoxing in action, but I have nothing in common with the privileged circle of New York socialites and career women that the author draws on for her illustrations.
Diversity and Representation
Although, as previously mentioned, the target audience of the book seems to be women of a certain social status, I applaud Kolber’s efforts to focus on pressures often experienced to a greater extent by women (disguising ageing, balancing career with family etc.), and to create a community of female solidarity.
Themes
Perfectionism
Positive psychology
Women’s careers
Gender
Role models
Friendship
Ageing
Memory
Goals and opportunities
Social media
Beyond the Book
Kolber talks a lot about social media and its potential to exacerbate perfectionism. In response to this, I have done a social media overhaul and now only follow content related to books or other hobbies (plus a few wacky friends from college who share things that make me laugh!)
Discussion Questions
What do you think are the main factors contributing to perfectionism? Can social media be blamed or are there other issues at play?
Are self-help books a fundamentally upper-middle-class genre?
Kolber worked in the fitness industry before her career change to writing, speaking and running perfection detox workshops. Do you think the fitness industry needs to be held accountable for its potential to drive damaging levels of dissatisfaction and perfectionism?
Favourite quote:
Read if: You feel the need for a motivational guide to help you break free from perfectionist tendencies.
If you found this review helpful, there are plenty more on my blog!
https://miscellanypages.wordpress.com
~ Exploring Difference ~ Opening My Mind ~ Striving for a Better World Through Books ~
Category: Non-fiction
Content Warnings: References to alcoholic parent, body-shaming, self-esteem issues
Synopsis:
Petra Kolber began her career as a fitness instructor, but she soon began to notice the impact perfectionism was having on the women she coached. Now she runs perfection detox workshops built around her 21-step programme, which aims to support women in the journey towards embracing their flawed, imperfect, yet wonderfully unique selves.
The Perfection Detox is subtitled ‘Tame Your Inner Critic, Live Bravely, and Unleash Your Joy’ – I think we could all use some of that!
Review:
First Page Impressions
When I saw this audiobook on BorrowBox, I was immediately drawn to it. I am a self-confessed perfectionist: someone who obsessively checks emails for typos before sending, becomes far too invested in my university grades and generally just fears failure.
My inner list-loving perfectionist found the step-by-step structure of this book ideal to work through. Even more importantly, Kolber creates a sense of community and that anyone struggling with perfectionist tendencies is not alone.
However, I did struggle with the style of writing until I became more used to it – Kolber’s background in motivational speaking came through clearly, but I have a personal preference for a gentler, less forceful tone.
Final Page Reflections
The Perfection Detox provides some genuinely useful advice and resources. My top three were:
1. Identifying your top negative thoughts and mantras to overcome them when they pop up
2. Goal mapping
3. The VIA Character Strengths test to find out your most positive attributes – for example, mine are love of learning, fairness and honesty. These are great for replacing negative self-talk, as it can be hard to focus on your strengths without a clear idea of what they are!
On the other hand, I was unable to relate to any of the real-life examples Kolber gives. I appreciate their purpose was to show concrete instances of perfection detoxing in action, but I have nothing in common with the privileged circle of New York socialites and career women that the author draws on for her illustrations.
“You were born to be real, not to be perfect”
Diversity and Representation
Although, as previously mentioned, the target audience of the book seems to be women of a certain social status, I applaud Kolber’s efforts to focus on pressures often experienced to a greater extent by women (disguising ageing, balancing career with family etc.), and to create a community of female solidarity.
Themes
Perfectionism
Positive psychology
Women’s careers
Gender
Role models
Friendship
Ageing
Memory
Goals and opportunities
Social media
Beyond the Book
Kolber talks a lot about social media and its potential to exacerbate perfectionism. In response to this, I have done a social media overhaul and now only follow content related to books or other hobbies (plus a few wacky friends from college who share things that make me laugh!)
Discussion Questions
What do you think are the main factors contributing to perfectionism? Can social media be blamed or are there other issues at play?
Are self-help books a fundamentally upper-middle-class genre?
Kolber worked in the fitness industry before her career change to writing, speaking and running perfection detox workshops. Do you think the fitness industry needs to be held accountable for its potential to drive damaging levels of dissatisfaction and perfectionism?
Favourite quote:
“We are much more alike in our struggles than in our successes”
Read if: You feel the need for a motivational guide to help you break free from perfectionist tendencies.
If you found this review helpful, there are plenty more on my blog!
https://miscellanypages.wordpress.com
~ Exploring Difference ~ Opening My Mind ~ Striving for a Better World Through Books ~
July 23, 2023
This book had some great points. Things you don’t really realize you are doing. Definitely glad I read it.
April 5, 2020
A mi me ha gustado. Es diferente a lo que había leído hasta el momento. Si que es cierto que habla mucho en primera persona y está totalmente enfocado a un público femenino, pero me he sentido reflejada en diferentes puntos.
Tiene muchísima bibliografía lo cual me resulta interesante por si quieres ampliar información al respecto.
Algunos consejos me resultan interesantes y otros no tantos, pero no considero que tiene un buen trasfondo y está impoluta menté escrito.
Tiene muchísima bibliografía lo cual me resulta interesante por si quieres ampliar información al respecto.
Algunos consejos me resultan interesantes y otros no tantos, pero no considero que tiene un buen trasfondo y está impoluta menté escrito.
January 21, 2023
This is a personal development book that was speaking directly to me! I loved listening to it, because Petra’s accent is adorable! It is one that I can definitely see myself listening to again because everything she talked about was so relatable. I also want a hard copy so I can highlight all of the nuggets! If you are a recovering perfectionist, this book is for you! She goes in to your past childhood experiences to help you figure out where your perfectionism comes from, but also gives you tools and language to use to help flip the mindset. It’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders! Highly recommend!
January 6, 2025
one of my favorite books to help when I need to give myself a break and be reminded of what’s important - I’ve read this 2x now, it’s a great comfort book. I really like the “daily detox” for a quick focus. I highly recommend the audio version.
March 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It is so warm, kind and vulnerable, while simultaneously giving the facts. I listened to the audiobook and felt like I had a best friend in my kitchen with me while doing the dishes. I'll never look at my inner critic the same!
May 28, 2019
I loved this book! The author provided inspiring stories and guides to get us and keep us on track for positive self-improvement. She takes the approach of trying to demystify perfectionism and show how to take life bravely and show grit without trying to be perfect at everything. We miss too many things if we think we have to be perfect at something before we do it. The author also talks about social media and how the things we see on social media are highlights and not realistic examples of how to do something. This book has great tips and anagrams, such as FEAR (False expectations appear real) and SMART goals (Simple, Achievable, Measurable, Realistic, Timetable) I would recommend this book!
November 17, 2021
DNF. This format really didn’t work for me. The “daily detox” chapters took me more than a day to read and process, which doesn’t really work with my perfectionist mind ha. I read another book last year about letting go of our phones. That had half a book of content, and then a 30 day challenge at the end. I think something like that would have been less distracting, and easier to follow and implement. I’ve been trying to read this book for well over a year and I’m giving up now. But the topic is good and I appreciated the honesty, advice and reflection opportunities, so I’m still giving 3 stars.
August 2, 2023
3.5 stars…or 4…I can’t quite decide how I feel right now. Read over a long period of time. Definitely has a lot of really quality nuggets in it. One that stuck with me is that I can’t imagine being middle aged and still hating myself and criticizing myself for who I am and what I do. Huge game changer for me. Very glad I read it overall!
I will say I think the language of “detox” was not my favorite. While I’m a fan of alliteration and “daily detox” is a nice, quippy way to introduce actionable steps it didn’t vibe, since detoxes tend to be very temporary and cause more harm than good. Which I would say is not applicable to this book. I get it…buttttttt…not exactly a vibe imo.
I will say I think the language of “detox” was not my favorite. While I’m a fan of alliteration and “daily detox” is a nice, quippy way to introduce actionable steps it didn’t vibe, since detoxes tend to be very temporary and cause more harm than good. Which I would say is not applicable to this book. I get it…buttttttt…not exactly a vibe imo.
January 13, 2025
Meh - This book made me realize that I'm not a perfectionist, but I think I might live with one. 😆 I had a hard time staying interested and engaged with this book. It just didn't work for me, and I simply couldn't relate. Also, I feel it doesn't really work as an audiobook (although I do like that, the author read it herself). The daily tasks are something I need to actually see in front of me. I don't want to have to pause the audiobook, then go back and re-listen to what I'm supposed to do, then write it down for myself so I can do it ... I want an audiobook that I can have on while I multi-task. This one is not that.
February 8, 2020
This book has SO much actionable information and good insight from a longtime career woman and cancer survivor! Each chapter comes with several simple activities at the end, which makes the lessons feel more attainable.
It is written in a very relaxed conversational style, so for self help, it’s exceptionally fun to read. I found myself looking forward to a morning ritual of coffee and a chapter.
It is written in a very relaxed conversational style, so for self help, it’s exceptionally fun to read. I found myself looking forward to a morning ritual of coffee and a chapter.
September 18, 2020
Une lecture très inspirante, pleine de bons conseils à appliquer au quotidien pour arriver à se détacher du perfectionnisme et surtout, mieux le comprendre. Des mots et des partages d'expériences qui font du bien et nous boostent à laisser aller le passé et reprendre enfin le chemin vers une vie plus sereine en paix avec les autres mais surtout soi-même.
March 20, 2021
Meh... The book was a bit of a slow stroll through our inner dialogue and an encouragement to let SHIT go... to stop the inner critic, to not let regrets or fears stop you from becoming your best you. Turns out I don’t think I am a perfectionist - but I do sometimes let my inner critic have a bit to much say in my life.
February 21, 2023
Love an interactive PD book with growth exercises/detoxes worked in! I would have LOVED this book as a younger version of me. Wait no. I would've hated it as it exposes so much of what I went through in my younger days. Love all the positivity and quotes throughout. I'll definitely browse this one again as it looks pretty on my shelf!
September 4, 2019
One of the BEST, most applicable self help books I’ve ever read. I loved the exercises. My advice to anyone who decides to read this...read a chapter a day, and no more. The content is detailed and really gets you to think outside of the box.
October 29, 2020
“As warrior sisters let’s always remember that within every woman is a shadow story or two.”
A powerfully moving read - a practical deconstruction of broken vision. One I will return to and a read I encourage for all women.
A powerfully moving read - a practical deconstruction of broken vision. One I will return to and a read I encourage for all women.
Read
August 16, 2021I was recommended this book, but thought it wouldn't be for me as I am not a perfectionist. However, I did discover I do have perfectionist tendencies that hold me back. If you are your harshest critic, this book is for you!
January 27, 2023
Loved this book! I can already feel the relief of being let off the hook of being perfect. It will be a lifelong practice, but I feel like this was a great tool to get myself started. I highlighted so many paragraphs to refer back to when I need a reminder!
June 4, 2023
Un livre à lire un chapitre à la fois, pour prendre le temps de réfléchir et d'analyser nos réactions et nos actions. Contre toutes attentes, j'ai découvert en moi une perfectionniste plus présente que je ne le croyais !
May 17, 2019
Lots of decent points though in an audio book I found it really hard to follow completely. More of a reference come back as you need it kind of book.
June 28, 2019
Some really good aha moments came out from reading this book
January 15, 2021
I really love this book make me feel. It really helps me to be more self aware and compassion towards myself. I need to take good care of myself before everyone else.
May 10, 2021
Un libro al principio lento, pero después de que le agarras la dinámica te pone a cuestionarte y a pensar mucho sobre ti mismo, muy bueno.
March 19, 2022
She spoke to my soul.
Lots of good advice. I will definitely need to revisit and felt a little better after I read it every time.
Lots of good advice. I will definitely need to revisit and felt a little better after I read it every time.
January 5, 2023
This is definitely a book I will revisit again. It’s a reminder to ourselves to get out of our own head and enjoy life to the best of our ability.
January 8, 2023
Listened to audiobook and loved it but can't do the Journaling at the end of chapters well without the hard copy. Would recommend hard copy.
January 23, 2023
كتاب جميل وعملي، يعطيك أفكار للتخلص من السعي للكمال، ويجعلك تغير افكارك تجاه الحياة للأفضل
August 4, 2023
This is amazing! Every woman should read or listen to this!
January 3, 2024
Considero que este es uno de los mejores libros que se pueden leer para poder avanzar cuando estás estancada por querer hacer todo a la perfección.
Es un libro que va dirigido a mujeres y escrito por una mujer, por lo que siento que Petra Kolber entiende a la perfección los sentimientos que hay detrás de una persona perfeccionista.
Me gustó mucho y me hizo descubrir nuevas cosas de mi que no conocía.
Espero puedan leerlo a la brevedad.
Es un libro que va dirigido a mujeres y escrito por una mujer, por lo que siento que Petra Kolber entiende a la perfección los sentimientos que hay detrás de una persona perfeccionista.
Me gustó mucho y me hizo descubrir nuevas cosas de mi que no conocía.
Espero puedan leerlo a la brevedad.
December 23, 2024
I resonated with some of the points in this book and could identify with the perfection mentality. However I felt a lot of this book was pop culture references and navel gazing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews