On Not Being Perfect: The Best Advice Matilda’s Mara Wilson Has for You

Sep 13, 2016

You may know Mara Wilson as the adorable child star who gave life to one of our favorite Roald Dahl characters, the adorable, precocious, telekinetic Matilda. And in case you need just a brief refresher, Mara also played the youngest child in Mrs. Doubtfire opposite Robin Williams and Sally Field, as well as the cute little girl in Miracle on 34th Street, and has been acting on screen since 1993. These days, Mara spends a little less time in front of the lens and more behind her computer screen. She runs a popular Twitter account with over 299K followers, writes the blog Mara Writes Stuff, and recently authored her first book Where Am I Now?, which will be released by Penguin Random House on September 13.

But growing up on movie sets — especially as a kid who loved school — had its share of difficulties. “Going to school as a child star… everybody knew somebody who was on Seventh Heaven or was on a Disney Channel show, and kids would come to school late because they had an audition. It kind of made sense for a while, but eventually [it got] kind of hard because people started getting jealous and they were getting a little competitive.”

As for the kind of student she was, either in school or on set, Mara says, “I was very much a perfectionist in elementary school. I always tried to go above and beyond in the very beginning, and that quickly became exhausting. I would always read ahead in the books and I actually got in trouble for it sometimes. I definitely did more than I needed to.” When it comes to getting it right, we feel like Matilda could probably relate.

But there is a point when the pursuit of being #flawless can take its toll. “I do think, though, that perfectionism, it’s a problem, and after a while, in middle school and a little bit in high school, there was this attitude I had like, ‘Well, if I can’t do it perfectly, why do it at all?'” Mara tells us. “And that, I think, is a toxic thought and I think that kills creativity and any kind of progress.”

But someone gave her a piece of advice that turned her outlook around: her dad. “My dad is an engineer, and he always says, ‘The perfect is the enemy of the good.’ And you need to remember that. That has helped me a lot,” Mara says. Next time trying to get something perfect — whether it’s as small as your cat eye or as huge as parenting — repeat this mantra to yourself. It’s no use driving yourself up the wall trying to get something perfect, when doing something very well will make you much happier.

“I’ve learned to make mistakes in the past few years,” she tells us with a smile. “And I’m okay with that now.”

Will you be taking Mara’s advice? Tweet us @BritandCo!

24 Cozy 'Gilmore Girls' Gifts For Anyone Who'd Rather Be In Stars Hollow

If there's one thing about Gilmore Girls fans you can count on, it's their passion. They love the quirky one liners, memorable moments, and are usually either Team Jess or Team Logan (sorry Dean...). Give any Gilmore Girls lover in your life the chance to transport themselves to Stars Hollow this holiday season — without having to make the trek to Washington, Connecticut or the Warner Bros. stage in Hollywood. These Gilmore Girls gift ideas are fun, thoughtful, and very cozy, which are also three hallmarks of the series itself! From a coffee mug that Luke Danes would approve of to the perfect gifts for Taylor Swift fans, this Gilmore Girlsgift guide will make you say "Oy with the poodles already!"

Keep reading for 24 Gilmore Girls-themed gift ideas for 2024.

Amazon

The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir

Get all the behind the scenes info you could ever dream of when you pick up Kelly Bishop's new memoir!

Hot Topic

Loungefly Gilmore Girls Icons Mini Backpack

I was absolutely gagged the first time I saw this backpack. Tiny pizza slices, both the Luke's Diner and Chilton logos, AND the gazebo? I need this, like, right now.

Sunday Best

Sunday Best Peggy Sweater

Consider this white cable knit sweaterthe Rory Gilmore sweater for the season. I cannot stop wearing mine. It's super soft and the perfect medium weight (meaning you won't be cold but you also won't feel weighed down). It's also not itchy at all. I love wearing it with jeans, or tucked into trousers or a skirt.

Amazon

Cotton Baseball Hat

For a more subtle nod to the fashion on the show, a blue baseball cap gives major Luke Danes vibes without having to walk around wearing Gilmore Girls merchandise. Wear it with a crewneck and oversized coat now (hello '90s "It" girl!) and a tee shirt come spring.

Book of the Month

Book of the Month

Channel your inner Rory with the Book of the Month subscription service. The cool part about someone else picking out the books is that you'll find titles — and authors — you didn't even know to look for.

Nordstrom

Espresso Martini Statement Earrings

It wouldn't be an episode of Gilmore Girls without a cup of coffee, or a martini at one of Richard and Emily's Friday night dinners. Combine the two iconic beverages with these statement earrings! They're bold, they're quirky, and they'll be the talk of all your holiday parties.

Etsy

Stars Hollow "Autumn Festival" Travel Poster

Nothing screams Stars Hollow like a festival, and this autumnal poster celebrates the best parts of small town life. Whether you choose to display it in a gallery wall or on a bookshelf, you'll feel like you're coming home every time you look at it.

Etsy

Luke's Diner Mug

With a Luke's Diner mug, you can pretend you really are in Stars Hollow. Bonus points if you're also having a big stack of pancakes!

Etsy

Gilmore Iced Coffee Glass Cup

If you're more of an iced coffee fan, even in the winter (I wonder what Luke would have to say about that?), grab a glass with a super cute design. Not only do I love that Rory and Lorelai are featured in the design, but the color palette is beautiful, too!

Maisonette

Gina White Poodle

Getting your little into the Gilmore Girls spirit? They definitely need a lovable stuffed dog. Again I say, "Oy with the poodles already!"

Handker Bandanas

Colorful Bandana

For another low-key nod to the ultimate BFF's, grab a bandana in your favorite color (like this one that uses untreated, non-GMO cotton!). In true Y2K fashion, Sookie and Lorelai wear bandanas throughout the show, so this is a super fun way to incorporate their style into your own closet this winter.

Etsy

Dragonfly Necklace

A delicate dragonfly necklace is a beautiful layering piece that will add summer cheer to the dreariest of winter days and remind you of Dragonfly Inn at the same time. The fact that dragonflies represent new beginnings is just the cherry on top.

Etsy

Gilmore Girl Eras Shirt

Have you been binging Gilmore Girls during the day and watching Eras Tour TikTok livestreams at night? This T-shirt has your name written all over it. My personal favorite detail is that Kirk is in the debut square.

Etsy

Stars Hollow Christmas Festival Sweatshirt

There's nothing like layering a turtleneck, a crewneck, and a bunch of jewelry for a trip to your corner coffee shop, so swap your go-to crewneck for this festive Stars Hollow one! The gazebo is instantly recognizable for Gilmore Girls fans and just looking at the design makes me want to say, "I smell snow."

Walmart

Gilmore Girls: Complete Series Collection

One of my favorite Christmas presents in recent years was the full Gilmore Girls DVD set. This 42-disc DVD set has every single episode and even more hours of unaired clips, behind the scenes features, and episode commentaries. I'm geeking out just thinking about it.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook

Gilmore Girls recipes are always delicious, and always pretty easy (after all, Lorelai and Rory basically only eat takeout and Luke's!). The official cookbook will let you put your own spin on the food you seen onscreen, and then you can have a truly meta experience by eating your meal while you watch the Gilmores eat theirs.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: Trivia Deck and Episode Guide

Tried-and-true Gilmore Girls fans will love diving into this trivia book. Because this game (which features 200 questions) has an 88-page episode guide and goes through every. Single. Episode. Worth it!

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: At Home in Stars Hollow

TBH, I think kids books are great for book lovers of any age. The art and simple storytelling really get my creative juices flowing. At Home In Stars Hollow will make you (or a family member or friend) love Gilmore Girls in a whole new way!

Cande Craft Company

Stars Hollow Scented Candle

This all-natural soy candle has every scent a Gilmore Girls fan will love: coffee, sweet cream, and vanilla. It's cozy and balances sweet and bitter in a really intoxicating way.

Amazon

Lorelai and Rory Gilmore Plush

Okay, I'll be honest. I want these plushes for myself! The design is a hilarious nod to the season one episode "The Lorelais' First Day At Chilton" and even features a tiny coffee mug and tiny book!

Rock Em Socks

Gilmore Girls Socks

Now that we're in knee-high boot season (which I FINALLY bought), I like to wear super fun, colorful, and chaotic socks. Grab a pack of Gilmore Girls socks to take some Stars Hollow magic with you no matter where you go.

Etsy

Gilmore Girls Themed Blind Date with a Book

For this bookish blind date, you'll receive a Rory-themed read, a tea bag, a bookmark, and stickers. You really can't go wrong.

Favorite Child

Stars Hollow Books Tote Bag

Carrying your favorite books in a tote bag with the Stars Hollow Books logo feels like it's meant to be.

Amazon

Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember

Lauren Graham's collection of essays will give you a glimpse behind the curtain as she offers thoughtful stories about life, aging, and the industry.

Which gifts from this Gilmore Girls gift guide will you be buying for your friends (or yourself)? Let us know in the comments!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Angelina Jolie Finally Opened Up About Her "Extremely Private" Kids & Motherhood

Angelina Jolie has always been mother — but she's also a literal mother to six kids whom she clearly cares about fiercely. Since she first adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax to giving birth to Vivienne and Knox, it's always been evident that her children are her entire world. While she rarely talks about her children (especially given her highly contested divorce at the moment), Angelina shared a little slice of her feelings on motherhood, insights on her children, and more with Good Morning America.

Here's what Angelina Jolie had to say about her kids — including which one of them is the most private!

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- YouTube

Angelina opened up about her feelings for her family while chatting about her new movie Maria with Good Morning Americaon November 21, 2024. Host Michael Strahan asked Angie about if there's anything she loves as much as her character loves singing, and she replied that it's her "motherhood."

"It’s my happiness. You can take everything else away from me," she said. "I could — nothing else matters."

When asked about her sons' involvement in Maria, Angelina explained that despite their involvement behind the scenes, they're very uninterested in a life in the spotlight. She said, "None of my children want to be in front of the camera. They're quite private."

Angelina elaborated, "Shiloh's extremely private. They weren't born with privacy, so I hope they can have that."

This interview comes after Angelina and Knox attended the Governor's Awards with her on November 18, 2024. His rare appearance shocked so many — including Brad. Daily Mail reported that Pitt found the timing "suspicious."

The source said, "'She is trying to get under his skin after his recent win and using Knox to do so is odd. Knox wants nothing to do with Hollywood and has no communication with Brad."

Despite the weirdness, the source also said, "He [Brad] believes that, in time, his children will come back into his life."

How many kids does Angelina Jolie have?

Angelina Jolie has six children. She adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax, and later gave birth to Vivienne and Shiloh. She shares her children with Brad Pitt, most of whom aren't on good terms with him at the moment.

Looking for more celebrity news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

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Holiday Gifting Made Easy with These 41 'EveryGirl' Essentials

The 'EveryGirl' is the sort of girl who loves the simple, classic, and essential. She loves timeless silhouettes, effortless style, and laid-back elegance. Some love their accessories, some love trying new flavors, and some are all about fashion finds. We've rounded up the top 41 essentials that you need to buy this year for the EveryGirl on your gift list (including yourself).

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

This Gorgeous Gold Pendant Is a Staple

Amazon

This stunning pendant can be worn and styled all the time with everything in anyone's closet. The necklace is a classic piece that's effortless and easy and offers a little elegance to any 'fit.

On Not Being Perfect: The Best Advice Matilda’s Mara Wilson Has for You

Keep reading for 24 Gilmore Girls-themed gift ideas for 2024.

Here's what Angelina Jolie had to say about her kids — including which one of them is the most private!

How many kids does Angelina Jolie have?

This Gorgeous Gold Pendant Is a Staple

A Cleanser Made With Natural Ingredients

You Can Style These Flats With Anything

Finish Any Meal With a Drizzle of This Oil

This Electric Kettle Is a Stylish Essential

This Scrub Is a Dream for Their Skin

Get a Clean, Fresh Face WIth These Starface Patches

This Bathtub Tray Helps Them Relax

This Chunky Choker Is a Bold Spin on a Classic

These Hair Clips Won't Mess Up Your Style

This Phone Case Is Classic and Simple

This Stumptown Coffee Is a Winner

This Beautiful Rug Brings a Room Together

This Pore Cleaning Toner Works Hard

This Nylon Bag Is an Affordable Version of the Viral Sensation

This Cream Offers Deep Hydration

The Breville Espresso Machine Was Made for Coffee Lovers

This Body Wash Smells Fantastic

This Square Neck Top Is a Classic

This Poster Adds Joy to Any Space

This Matcha Powder Is Delicious and Smooth

Say Goodbye to Pores With This Foundation

This Makeup Bag Is Fun and Spacious

These Loafers Are Essential

This Concealer Is Professional-Quality

Your EveryGirl Will Love This Highlighter Set

This Ribbed Top Is a Classic Style

This Tote Bag Is So Much Fun

This Pour-Over Maker Is Easy to Use

These Prints Add a Pop of Color

This Oversized Tee Is Trendy and Classic

This Cottagecore Comforter Set Makes Sleeping a Dream

Layer Up With This Beautiful Necklace Stack

This Loungewear Set Is Slimming

This Oversized Tee Is Always a Good Idea

This Set of Sheets Is Made to Last

Enjoy a Peel Without Any Irritation With This Mask

This Large Tote Has All the Space You Need

Keep Them Warm in This Oversized Cardigan

This Clock Is Timeless

This Mockneck Sweater Is So Stylish