How to Live 5% More Intentionally (Starting Today)

Everyday actions to move closer to your vision of a good life

Welcome to The Inclusion Room — a space where literature, science, and storytelling meet to unlock the power of diversity, inspiring both personal and professional growth.

Dear Readers,
I hope this letter finds you well!

Living abroad can feel like drifting — or designing. This post is for the designers who want an intentional life abroad.

Whether you’re looking for a new job, trying to find a community where you truly belong, searching for love, or simply seeking a life that aligns with your vision of happiness and fulfillment, the journey can feel overwhelming at times.

It’s tempting to let things unfold. But when you’re driving somewhere unfamiliar, do you just hope for the best—or switch on your GPS and set a waypoint?

Well, building your life abroad is the same.

You have a choice: You can let your new life shape itself, or you can choose to build it intentionally.

It may feel overwhelming — Where do I start?

So, what if we took it one step at a time, just 5% at a time?

🌟 The 5% Challenge: Building Your Life with Intention 🌟

How can you intentionally build your life by living just 5% more intentionally each day?

No need for big changes — just small, intentional actions that bring you closer to the life you’ve imagined.

It’s about consciously choosing to shape your experience abroad in a way that reflects your values, your passions, and your goals.

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Why 5%?

Small moves are sustainable. They compound. A clear daily waypoint reduces overwhelm and keeps your compass pointed where you want to go.

How it works

• Choose a pillar: Job • Community • Love • Good Life

• Set today’s waypoint: one small, specific action

• Do it and log it: comment below or post on Notes with #5%Intentional.

• Repeat tomorrow: same pillar or a different one.

Quick examples (pick one or more)

💼🎨 Career

• Scan one company page and save a role that fits.

• Update one project on my portfolio

🤝Community

• Join a local meetup or language exchange.

• Knock on a neighbour’s door / introduce yourself to someone on your street.

💘Love

• Refresh one line of your profile

• Say yes to a coffee / or invite someone

🌴Good Life (your vision)

• Write on you journal about the vision you have for your future

• Try a new restaurant to find your next favorite place

The 5% Challenge isn’t about making massive changes overnight; it’s about building a life abroad with intention, one small step at a time.

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AI-generated image by the author using ChatGPT

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This week, my +5%

📑I outlined the book that’s been waiting in my drawer.

🍦I made a list of gelaterias and started trying them—rebuilding a small summer habit from home.

🌳 I visited a new neighbourhood I’m considering moving to.

What’s your +5%? What small action can you take today that brings you 5% closer to the life you’ve imagined?

Logistics

When: next 4 weeks
Where: comments here or on Notes with #5%Intentional
Check-in: I’ll open a community chat every Friday at 18:00 CET
Roundup: end-of-month post highlighting community +5% ideas (to keep momentum after summer)

Your turn

Post your first action below using the template:

📍+5% — [action], [pillar]

Example: “+5% — emailed a hiring manager, Job.”

Then come back tomorrow with the next waypoint.

Let’s build this life together—one intentional step at a time!

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