#17 - Intentionality, Part 2: Anything Worth Doing is Worth Doing Badly

In this second episode of our Intentionality series, Nyssa and Kelly return to the handwritten bathroom poster of Uncle Murry Landsman’s teachings to explore three more life-shaping slogans: “Everything works. Nothing works.” “Feeling good needs no excuse.” and “Anything worth doing is worth doing badly.” 

They unpack how these paradoxical ideas speak to perfectionism, decision fatigue, and the pressure to “get it right” in self‑improvement, therapy, relationships, work, and even gardening—sharing stories about planners and exercise programs, laughing in the midst of grief, and Kelly’s humbling journey learning Thai massage. 

Along the way, they explore intentional living as a uniquely human capacity, how “everything works and nothing works” disrupts the fantasy of the one perfect method, and why letting yourself feel good without guilt or justification is essential for emotional healing and resilience. 

If you’re interested in letting go of perfectionism, starting before you feel ready, and finding more space and freedom in your inner life and relationships, this conversation is for you.


Main Topics Covered:

  • How “Everything works. Nothing works.” can free you from chasing the one perfect method

  • Why perfectionism quietly keeps you stuck (and how to move anyway, even “badly”)

  • The surprising link between intentionality, being human, and not wanting to be a “god”

  • What it really means that “feeling good needs no excuse” in grief, crisis, and everyday life

  • How numbing difficult emotions can also shut down your capacity for joy

  • The secret life of planners, exercise programs, and self-help methods that “should” fix everything

  • A real relationship moment: choosing not to stay stuck in defensiveness and resentment

  • What gardening and Thai massage can teach us about being beginners again

  • Why hobbies matter more when you’re willing to be bad at them

  • Simple ways to “do it badly” on purpose in your relationships and personal growth

Links: