Wholehearted living is the guiding star of Brown’s approach to a better life in The Gifts of Imperfection. The concept was inspired by certain subjects of Brown’s research whose embrace of their imperfection and vulnerability made them resistant to shame. By living in the truth of who they were rather than the edited, socially acceptable version, such people enjoyed greater satisfaction in life in addition to enhanced connection to others. Grounded in their own values, they could jettison the unrealistic pressures of the media and capitalism in favor of investing enthusiastically in activities that gave them life and nurtured their connection to others. These people stood out to Brown, because although she too was trying to live a good life, her learned habits of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and competitiveness put her on the wrong course for living a wholehearted life.

Both in its inclusion of stories of vulnerable moments in Brown’s life and in its honesty about her struggles to live wholeheartedly, The Gifts of Imperfection is itself an exercise in wholehearted living. Instead of trying to connect with the reader by impressing them with her credentials and mastery of situation, Brown does so by sharing the full scope of her emotions.