It may seem to you that others have all the luck. But there are people who know how to make life happen for themselves.

I read recently that by cutting down on work you can benefit your career. A change of activities with new people offers fresh perspectives to improve the quality of your work. Great designers, for example, are inspired by visits to exotic places. For the rest of us, any small change helps.

Here are a few Arynne SIMON SAYS suggestions:

1/ When you have an ache or an illness, organize a team of people to help you get well. Combine professionals with good friends who know how to listen. Regularly chat with them via phone or internet and listen to their suggestions. The same goes for building a network of people to help open doors for you to get new clients or a new job. Start-up companies have Advisory Boards; why shouldn't you?

2/ Learn to relax with a set of CDs by Dr. Andrew Weil. or be introduced to Dr. Brian Alman at:
http://safe.spsp.net/cgibin/keepitoff/kiosleep01.html?id=3H8pK5oc.
Both Doctors Weil and Alman encourage deep breathing so learn to do that. Lucky people know how to imagine they are in a peaceful and successful place. (I recommend the CD BREATHING ‹ The Master Key to Self Healing by Dr. Andrew Weil.)

3/ Simple affirmations like "I am a winner," must become routine. Keep a book like The Wealthy Spirit by Chellie Campbell near your bed and start each day with one of her many affirmations. Don't sneer at this suggestion; it works!

4/ Always strive towards specific goals even if the chance of complete achievement is miniscule. Practice by visualizing a parking space where you want it to be. You'll get better at visualizations in a short time.

5/ When you're having a rough day or week or month, learn how to distract yourself. For some it could be a visit to an art museum, for others a gym, or how about just meeting with friends to listen to music or to see a light-hearted film at home. Yes, it's better for your good luck index to include friends in your pleasures.

6/ When something negative happens, hear yourself saying things like, "It could have been much worse," or "But at least I have people who love me." Write a paragraph in answer to this question: "Is this really so important in my life?" Yes, WRITE IT ‹ but only one short paragraph.

Remember: the word precedes the feeling.

7/ Lucky people have strong intuitions; yours can be strengthened by Yoga or meditation. (Consider starting with Dr. Andrew Weil's CD set, Meditations for Optimum Health.)

And, of course, read and re-read my book Playing Life from Center Court and reward your friends or employees with a gift copy for Christmas so they can be "lucky," too.