I have a confession: I don’t like wrapping presents. It’s not that I don’t enjoy giving gifts—I love it! But the actual wrapping? Let’s just say it’s not my strong suit.
Still, I take comfort in the fact that my brother is comically worse at it. He wraps a present like he’s wearing two baseball mitts. Last year I decided it would be a good gag to lean into my imperfection and wrap his gift as badly as I possibly could—crooked edges, wads of tape, the ribbon tied in a square knot instead of a bow.
I thought it was hilarious. And guess what? He didn’t even notice.
This little experiment reminded me that nobody cares about the ribbon. Nobody cares if the edges are perfectly folded or if the tape is invisible. What they care about is the thought and love behind the gift—or the laugh it might bring.
Oliver Burkeman, in his book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, writes about the liberation that comes with accepting our limitations. He suggests that by embracing the fact that we can’t do everything—or do it perfectly—we free ourselves from the relentless pressure of overachievement. Burkeman’s “imperfectionism” isn’t about giving up; it’s about focusing on what really matters and letting go of the illusion that perfection is the goal.
Psychological research backs this up. Studies show that perfectionism often correlates with higher levels of stress and anxiety. When we chase impossible standards, we set ourselves up for frustration and burnout. But by embracing imperfection, we cultivate self-compassion and a healthier mindset. Letting go of perfectionism allows us to enjoy the moment, even if it’s not perfectly polished.
As the year draws to a close, many of us fall into the trap of trying to wrap up our lives with a neat little bow. We push ourselves to finish every task, meet every expectation, and create picture-perfect moments. But the truth is, nobody cares about the ribbon.
This year, I’m focusing on what truly matters: connection, joy, and maybe even a laugh over a badly wrapped gift. Imperfection isn’t a flaw—it’s an opportunity to let go of unnecessary stress and be present for what really counts.
After all, nobody cares about the ribbon.
Molly B.
Founder & CEO, Molly B. Townsend Coaching & Consulting
[email protected]
