Those with a sense of purpose, who believe their lives matter and are useful……Whether they’re helping the homeless, or they feel their purpose is to raise a happy, healthy family. That’s according to a study from St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York. In Japan, it’s referred to as “ikigai” – or a “reason for being” – and it’s been shown to boost motivation, resilience and vitality. Researchers say they found that those who have a purpose are 25% less likely to develop heart disease, or die for any reason pre-maturely.