Overconfidence will cause embarrassment. Don't count your chickens until they are hatched. An unlikely contender will outperform you at the last minute. Instead of throwing a tantrum, offer warm congratulations to the victor. There's nothing worse than a sore loser. You'll have other opportunities to compete. For now, reflect on what you could have done better. Give yourself a chance to mourn this disappointment. Your desire to win will return after you've had a chance to recover.

It's never fun to be thrust into the shadows so others can command the spotlight. Resist the urge to grumble. By continuing to work diligently, you will get a chance to showcase your talent. Right now, egotistical members of the group are doing everything in their power to be noticed. Their inferior abilities won't impress anyone. Actually, the powers that be will be annoyed by their grandstanding. Then you will be able to show off your superior knowledge and enjoy the spoils of war.

You should beware of jumping on a bandwagon. Making fun of someone who is obviously different can be a way to fit in with the group, but it's very destructive. Don't participate in such mockery, even if you find the target annoying. You don't want to be implicated in such unpleasant behaviour. It's possible the gang leader will be threatened by your refusal to participate. If this happens, tell them what you think of their methods in no uncertain terms.

Throwing your weight around will cause resentment. Just because you have an important title or more experience does not give you license to lord over others. If you need something done, make your request as politely as possible. Anyone who behaves in an insubordinate way can be dismissed or reported. The important thing is to be dignified at all times. This means maintaining a respectful tone with others, even when they're being rude or unreasonable.

This isn't a good time to air your views about religion, culture and politics. People hold their beliefs sacred. They don't appreciate being told they are wrong or ignorant. If someone is trying to impose their offensive ideas on you, tell them quietly and politely their comments are not welcome. Report the matter to your superiors when the problem persists. It's important to maintain a respectful tone in public forums. People who want to debate should join organisations dedicated to that purpose.

It's important to attend to your sensual needs. Getting a massage, enjoying a gourmet meal and splashing out on beautiful clothes are all possible indulgences. You work hard and should have something to show for your labour. Turn a deaf ear to someone who thinks you are being selfish or irresponsible. This critic is just angry about their own inability to be kind to themselves. Don't let their negativity stop you enjoying some simple pleasures. When you treat yourself well, you are nicer to others.

Your expectations of a relationship are not realistic. Instead of getting angry when a loved one falls short of your demands, be reflective. Think about how you would feel if you were always being told your efforts weren't good enough. Are you dealing with someone who simply refuses to contribute anything positive to your union? Then it's your responsibility to break things off. Continuing to complain about someone who won't change is an exercise in futility. Move in a healthier direction.

Take your health seriously. Pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion will weaken your system. Cut back your social commitments and stop working into the wee hours of the morning. Give yourself at least one hour each day to rest, relax and reflect. This may seem impossible, but where there is a will, there is a way. Stop jumping to everybody's aid and refuse demands for help. You enjoy being of service, but the situation has spiralled out of control.

You have precious little time for fun, which makes you irritable. Being the person responsible for everyone else's wellbeing is wearing on your nerves. Give yourself the gift of time. Hire a babysitter so you can have a few hours to yourself. Take a holiday so you can escape the cares of home. Offer to swap jobs with a neighbour so you can take time out to do your own thing and you'll feel a lot better about the current situation. You are not as powerless as you feel.

Powerful feelings do not justify angry outbursts. If you're dealing with a stressful situation, breathe deep and back down. Lashing out will harm your reputation. Is someone trying to provoke a reaction? Look them in the eye and tell them to stop. Bullies hate being confronted. Demonstrating control will cause this abuser to turn tail and look for another victim. It's hard having to exercise restraint all the time. Exercise can help you release tension in a healthy way.

You are firmly convinced you are right, but that may not be true. Be willing to listen to someone else who has lots of experience in a particular field. They may be younger or have a different philosophy, but their information is sound. By letting down your defences, you'll learn a great deal. If someone points out a mistake, be gracious. Admit you were in the wrong, apologise and make restitution to anyone who was harmed. You'll sleep better as a result.

Don't be greedy with your resources. Someone who is suffering could really use some financial help. Giving a gift of money or merchandise will make a big difference to their life. You've always been generous by nature, but sometimes forget this impulse when tempted by luxuries. By cutting back just a little, you'll feel much better about your place in the world. Someone who is impressed by your selfless deed will make you an impressive job offer. The Universe has a way of rewarding kind gestures.