Feeling like you're just going through the motions? You're not alone. Many of us inherit a definition of success that doesn't quite fit. The good news is a new wave of communities is helping you hit pause, reflect, and build
The Rise of Intentional Living Communities
The market for personal development and community-based well-being is booming. People are moving away from quick-fix happiness hacks and toward deeper, more sustainable frameworks for living well. These communities offer structure, support, and a sense of belonging that solo self-help often lacks. Whether you're looking for a paid membership with expert content or a free local meetup group, there's a growing ecosystem designed to help you live with more purpose.
How We Ranked These Communities
We evaluated each community based on three core criteria: clarity of mission, depth of resources, and accessibility. A clear mission means you know exactly what you're signing up for. Depth of resources looks at the quality and variety of content, from courses to events. Accessibility considers cost, location, and how easy it is to get started. The goal was to find communities that offer real value without overwhelming you.
Here's a quick look at the five communities we explored, ranked from broadest reach to most niche focus.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Action for Happiness | Free, science-backed happiness habits |
| Foundation for Intentional Community | Connecting with cooperative living networks |
| Intentionalist | Discovering values-aligned local businesses |
| INTENTIONAL HAPPINESS | Structured courses on defining your own success |
| Intentional Happiness Collective | Local in-person connection and creativity |
The Top 5 Communities for Intentional Living
#1 Action for Happiness
A screenshot of the Action for Happiness website.
Action for Happiness is a global movement of people taking practical action to create a happier world. They offer a free online coaching program, inspiring talks, and a life-changing Happiness Habits course. Their local groups meet regularly to work through expert-designed sessions that help you feel a sense of belonging and discover new ways to take action. It's a fantastic entry point if you want evidence-based tools and a supportive community without any financial commitment.
#2 Foundation for Intentional Community
A screenshot of the Foundation for Intentional Community website.
The Foundation for Intentional Community (FIC) is the go-to resource for anyone interested in cooperative and sustainable living. Their membership gives you access to a directory of communities, educational materials, workshops, and a network of like-minded individuals. Whether you're seeking a community to join or want to support the movement, FIC provides the infrastructure and advocacy to help you thrive. It's ideal for those ready to move from individual reflection to collective action.
#3 Intentionalist
Intentionalist is a platform that helps you discover and support local businesses and intentional communities. While their membership community page was temporarily unavailable during our review, their core mission is clear: to make it easy to find places and groups that align with your values. They focus on the power of everyday choices to build a better world. If you're looking to connect your spending and lifestyle with your principles, this is a great starting point.
#4 INTENTIONAL HAPPINESS
A screenshot of the INTENTIONAL HAPPINESS website.
INTENTIONAL HAPPINESS, run by Choose-Happy.com, is a community built around the idea that a well-lived life is defined by you, not by inherited expectations. They offer a free masterclass and a premium membership at $25/month or $240 annually for full access to their video library and resources. The focus is on intentional reflection and daily choices rather than fixing what's broken. It's a solid choice if you're ready to invest in a structured program that helps you define your own path personally, professionally, and financially.
#5 Intentional Happiness Collective
A screenshot of the Intentional Happiness Collective website.
Intentional Happiness Collective is a local community initiative based in East London, focused on reducing loneliness and social isolation among adults. They offer weekly creative activities, conversation, and shared experiences designed to help people connect and belong. It's not a therapy service but a creative belonging program that complements existing support. If you're in the Newham area and crave genuine, in-person connection, this is a beautiful option.
How to Choose the Right Community for You
Start by asking yourself what you need most. Do you want a structured course to guide your reflection? Then INTENTIONAL HAPPINESS might be your best bet. Craving local, face-to-face connection? Look into Intentional Happiness Collective. If you prefer a free, evidence-based approach, Action for Happiness is a no-brainer. For those ready to explore cooperative living, the Foundation for Intentional Community is unmatched. And if you want to align your daily choices with your values, start with Intentionalist. The key is to match the community's focus with your current stage of the journey.
Automate Your Growth with These Communities
You can set up a simple routine to stay engaged without overwhelm. For example, subscribe to Action for Happiness's free newsletter for weekly tips. Then, set a recurring calendar reminder to attend one of their local group meetings each month. If you join INTENTIONAL HAPPINESS's premium tier, schedule 30 minutes each week to watch one video and complete the reflection exercise. This creates a low-effort, high-impact habit that keeps you moving forward.
Your Next Step Toward a Life You Define
The common thread across all five communities is a rejection of cookie-cutter success. Whether you choose a global movement or a local collective, the goal is the same: to live with more intention and connection. Start with one community that resonates most, and give yourself permission to explore. The right path is the one you choose for yourself.