5. Are there advantages to taking class instructions? Sure. You can learn a lot and form marketing relationships with people who have an interest in your field. You must understand relationship marketing to make yourself an expert. If you have to, email or call people in your field. Ask questions or advice. Be friendly and polite. Learn all you can learn from these people who know MORE than you. Once you become an expert, you can help other aspiring experts!

6. KEEP Writing! Your specialty area might be be specific or general. Broaden your horizons as you build upon your own experience. There's nothing more aggravating than a "wanna-be" self-proclaimed specialist, who knows ZERO!

Time, skills, reliability and credibility create experts. Maintaining expert status in ANY field is always a process in making. You'll do fine if you make a habit to stay abreast of current events in your field. If you get lazy, remember that you don't have many options here. You'll either build on everything you've already learned or you'll forget it all, be passed up and be considered a real e-flop. Which would you prefer? Find a good mentor. Get help you need to become a respected expert in your field!

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Learn to say "yes" when others offer help: Stop with Superwoman fallacy. There is no harm in accepting help when offered, or even in asking for it when needed. In fact, most people are happy to be of assistance.

Cut down on compulsive buying: Shopping has become a sport in this country and credit card debt is hitting an all time high. Before you break out your plastic to get that new Prada handbag ask yourself - do I really need this? Will this improve my life? Is this "thing" worth time I will have to put in working in order to pay for it? If answer is no then don't buy it.

Relinquish some control: You can't speed up driver in front of you, make check out line at supermarket move more efficiently, or govern happiness of others. Just let it go. Take some deep breathes in traffic, practice your Kegel Exercise while waiting at grocery store, and lead your life with integrity. Don't carry weight of world on your shoulders - it's too heavy.

Reduce decisions: While having a choice is a good thing, too many options can be overwhelming. Whether you are contemplation a major purchase, or deciding what to cook for dinner, limit your self to two options. Choose one, then be happy with your decision - second guessing never helped anyone.

Enjoy little things in life: Read a book, take a walk, have a bubble-bath, start a snowball fight with your kids, eat together as a family at kitchen table, garden, snuggle, pursue a hobby, listen to music, write a letter, meditate, and follow your passions. Partake in everyday pleasures - all things that don't entail shopping, spending, or crowds - and spend quality time with ones you love.

Living simply is not about depravation; it's about living well. Our lives are complicated, in part, because we make them that way. Resolve to make 2005 year of simplicity, and greet coming months with a relaxed and peaceful spirit.

Deborah Martin is a writer, life coach, and co-founder of The Woman Project. She holds a master's degree in psychology and is a licensed professional counselor. She is a certified teleclass leader and offers teleclasses and workshops on a variety of subjects. For more information please visit her website at www.dreamlearncreate.com.