How we are different

By asking vital questions of some extraordinary individuals, we have tried to show how 'making the most of life' is something that can be studied – and that such research can produce ideas for the benefit of everyone. We believe our on-going research can make a valuable contribution on account of its unique combination of 5 key features:

· The focus of our interviews has not simply been on how individuals achieved their successes; very importantly, it has also been about their enjoyment of life. Very rarely has there been a study that explored both themes at once. In fact, in the past 25 years there have been fewer than half-a-dozen major studies of high-achievement, and a similar number of studies of happiness or life-satisfaction. Younglives.com has been particularly determined to study both topics, because too often a public success has cost the individual too dearly in terms of the quality of their personal life. As one Olympic coach put it: "The skill is in pursuing excellence without destroying the rest of your life". Our charity sets out to gather all available 'know-how' on precisely that point.

· Rarely has there been research among everyday success stories from so many walks of life, with individuals age 16 to 78. Here are gathered the voices of a new generation and their tutors, teachers and trainers, as well as some of the world's leading professionals.

· The very personal nature of the 'anonymous questionnaire' that was handed out to 16 to 26 year-olds after their in-depth face to face interviews, has allowed our contributors to disclose invaluable insights on some very intimate issues.

· It has been of enormous benefit to have a funding-team of leading companies who have given their charitable funding and their specialist advice. The educational and commercial sectors infrequently pool their knowledge.

The independent status of the charity has meant that there has been no political or financial influence on who we researched, what we asked, or what findings we present.