Pay no attention to irrational fears. If the odds are overwhelmingly in your favour, you should take a risk. Turn a deaf ear to news reports that try to create panic. Listening to such dire warnings will make you miserable. You're a born adventurer who wants to see the world. Venturing into unknown places gives you a thrill. You also enjoy competing. Although a superior rival might outperform you, that's a chance you're willing to take. People admire your bravery.

Just because everyone is following a popular movement doesn't mean you should. Continue to march to the beat of your own drum. Others might think your methods are strange, but after some gentle teasing, they will leave you alone. You're suspicious of trends that claim to fix problems overnight. That's because you have learned from experience that any worthy goal involves hard work and sacrifice. Fortunately, you are both patient and diligent.

Be realistic about your professional goals. If your industry is drying up, transition to a rapidly growing field. Do you lack essential skills? Get additional training. Are you at a toxic company? Apply for work at an employer that treats its staff well. Dreaming about your ideal job is fine, but it can keep you from taking steps towards a healthier future. It's hard to get motivated when you've been in a holding pattern. Make a single small move towards your goal. This will help you gain momentum.

Someone you admire will fall from grace. It's distressing to realise you were taken in by a charlatan. Instead of heaping yourself with shame, take a more balanced view. This situation could serve as a valuable lesson. In the future, you should be more circumspect about trusting charismatic individuals. While they may be funny and charming, they often have ulterior motives. Now you know what signs to look for, you can avoid a lot of trouble and heartache. Forewarned is forearmed.

Don't give others a free hand with your finances. You should keep your personal information under lock and key; never give your password to others. If someone asks you to guarantee a loan, politely refuse. Money and friendship do not mix. Do you have an irresponsible relative who continues to run to you for help? It's time to cut off their supply. Continually coming to their rescue will just reinforce their bad habits. It's time for them to take responsibility for their actions.

When you encounter problems in your relationship, your first impulse is to become silent. Unfortunately, refusing to discuss the issue will only make it worse. Learning the fine art of healthy confrontation is critical. Try not to broach the subject when you're extremely angry. Modulate your voice so your partner doesn't feel attacked. Give specific examples of how their behaviour is affecting you. Be open to discussing solutions. The most successful friendships are based on mutual respect.

You're not in the mood to spend much time on your appearance, due to sheer exhaustion. Although you don't have to go to extraordinarily lengths to look well, you should try to be neat and presentable. The last thing you need is to make a bad impression on a would be employer or client. If you're too tired to move, it may be best to take the day off. Give yourself a chance to recuperate from all the stress you've experienced at work.

A creative block is driving you to distraction. The more you try to break through, the harder it will be to get an idea. Turn your attention to routine work like cooking, doing laundry or sweeping the floor. Mindless motions will let your guard down and let your subconscious run wild. Just when your mind starts to wander, you'll hit upon a brilliant solution to your problem. Make sure to write it down before you forget. Lightning rarely strikes twice in the same place.

A relative doesn't have the capacity to make good decisions. You'll have to take responsibility for their wellbeing. This will cause a rift in the family, but it can't be helped. You'd rather be accused of being selfish than see your loved one come to harm. Making an unpopular decision is always difficult. Turn to a kind friend who has been through a similar situation. Being able to talk to someone without fear of censure will be comforting. Deep down inside, you know you're doing the right thing.

Someone will ask your opinion and you will be embarrassed to answer. Be as diplomatic as possible when delivering a negative review. No matter how constructive your criticism, it may be taken in a negative light. It's better to be honest than deceptive. You take great pride in bestowing compliments on people who deserve them. Heaping praise on those who need to do better puts your taste into question. Maintain your reputation but prepare for reprisals. Some people can't take the truth.

Be practical about money matters. Although you want to make a donation to charity, you have to pay your own bills first. Being a good steward of your resources should be your first priority. If you want to give back to your community, donate your time. Working at an animal shelter or food bank is a great way to satisfy your philanthropic impulses. Don't worry; you will soon be able to make financial contributions to charity. Right now, you have to tighten your belt and be realistic.

Resist the temptation to be too soft on yourself. If you continue to fall short of the mark, it's time to change your approach. Work harder, make sacrifices and get more practice. It's the only way to fulfil your potential. Pattern your behaviour after an accomplished person who refuses to accept second best. By pushing yourself, you can reach heights you never dreamed possible. Don't be surprised when people who used to see you as a joke start being more respectful.