You have a tendency to be bossy. Pushing people too far will cause a backlash. Adopting a gentler approach will yield better results. Although you're anxious to get down to business, other people have their own things to do. Trying to get them to drop everything for your benefit will create great resentment. Be flexible when someone tells you there will be a long wait. Explain politely you are working on a deadline. Ask if there's any way to speed things along. Be gracious if the answer is no.

Stop relying on someone you love to do your dirty work. The sooner you assume these responsibilities, the stronger you will feel. Being self-sufficient will make people more respectful. It will also become easier to accept new challenges. That's because doing difficult tasks builds confidence. Whether you learn how to drive, cook, do your own laundry or pay your bills, you'll feel much more capable. Soon, you'll be pursuing goals that once seemed too intimidating.

Keeping secrets is harming close relationships. You've got to come clean to your best friend or romantic partner. Know the difference between being respectful and unburdening your conscience. If the information you are hiding is harming somebody, you must be truthful. Are you being silent because a loved one will be devastated to know the truth? Don't confess; change your ways. Do everything in your power to make up for your bad behaviour. Be respectful, affectionate, responsible and courteous.

Being inflexible will make people turn against you. Work is important, but so is play. If someone has a whimsical approach to their job, don't take them to task for it. You might even learn some valuable lessons by following their example. When pressure mounts, certain people have a tendency to be silly. As long as everyone is pulling their weight and following procedure, don't complain. It can also help to laugh at people's jokes and make a few of your own.

Beware of putting your faith in a newcomer. Until you're able to observe their behaviour over an extended period of time, it's better to be self-sufficient. Pay careful attention of how this colleague's words match their actions. If there is a big disparity, you should stay on your guard. You're a naturally generous person. This can prompt you to let down your guard with manipulators. Protect your interests by limiting others' access to you. This simple precaution will save you lots of heartache.

Stop pretending to have everything under control. If you're struggling financially, admit it. Although your friends may not be able to give you resources, they will give you moral courage. It's much easier to deal with problems when you don't feel compelled to hide them. Someone who hears about your situation will recommend you for a lucrative job. This will turn the tide in your favour. Accept a steady job involving education, communication or advertising. You'll take to it like a duck to water.

Not all change is bad. You've always been fond of routines because they offer a sense of comfort. Getting lulled into a sense of security can dull your creative edge. If you're forced to adapt to a new system or style of leadership, stay calm. Give yourself time to get used to the new regime. Although some aspects will be annoying, most will be beneficial. Maintaining a positive outlook will pave the way for golden work opportunities. An executive who admires your cooperative will give you a reward.

Surrendering is an effective strategy. Someone who expects you to put up a fight will be thrown off balance by your accepting attitude. Although you're not happy with some unfair decisions at work, you should keep your job. Start looking for another position involving intellectual challenges. You've always been a wonderful problem solver. Working for a company that treats its employees well is a goal worth moving towards. When you become frustrated with your current boss, just remember how great it is to have a regular payday.

When someone comes to you with a problem, don't be tempted to fix it. Being a sounding board may be all that's necessary to ease their pain. You've always been action oriented. Sometimes jumping into the fray can make a bad situation worse. Set a goal to listen more than you speak. Reflect on everything you have heard and don't give a response right away. A thoughtful response will be much more helpful than an impulsive reaction. Slow and steady wins the race.

It's important to strike a healthy balance between work and family. A relative who is always demanding attention has to be put in their place. You simply can't drop everything for their benefit all the time. A chance to attend a glamorous conference is in the works. Your family member will pressure you to back out. Don't fall victim to this guilt trap. You have every right to go away and have a wonderful time. If your loved one needs special care while you're away, they'll get it.

Patience and persistence make you successful. Someone who resents your prosperity will give you a backhanded compliment. Instead of putting up with their passive aggressive behaviour, call them on it. You work hard and you're no longer willing to tolerate people who think everything has been given to you. Defending yourself will be empowering. Diligent people like you are often mistaken for slackers because you're too busy working to complain.

You enjoy helping people. Beware of maintaining relationships with those who drain instead of sustain you. A relative who is always asking for money is taking advantage of your generosity. The sooner they start paying their own way, the happier you both will be. If you're accused of being selfish, so be it. Sometimes you have to put yourself first. You work hard for your money and should use it for your own benefit. Satisfy your humanitarian instincts by donating money to charity.