If you're going to accomplish anything, you must focus. Distractions will undermine your productivity. Stay away from the phone and Internet while you work. Give yourself small rewards throughout the day for reaching goals. It may be difficult to grasp some elusive concepts. When this happens, ask an intelligent colleague for help. Working together will help you blast through obstacles that have been holding you back. Don't be embarrassed about admitting your ignorance.

Try not to be confined to a single source of income. Finding another job could be difficult, but it's not impossible. A relative who promises you a position won't be able to deliver. You'll fare much better by yourself. Keep sending out applications. Eventually, you'll hit the target. Until that time, rein in your spending. It will be necessary to forgo some luxuries. Once you start earning more, you'll be able to splash out in style.

It will be difficult to compete with a glamorous newcomer. Although you're extremely intelligent, you don't feel compelled to command the spotlight all the time. Let this egomaniac have their time in the Sun. Eventually, interest will wane and you'll be able to hold court again. You might even be surprised to discover you like this interloper. You share many of the same tastes in reading, music and movies. Borrowing from each other's collections will be a great learning experience.

If you're looking for work, keep it secret. You don't want rivals getting wind of your plans. Although the people around you seem nice and often express interest in you, they may have ulterior motives. It's best to keep your own counsel, especially where colleagues are concerned. There's a chance your current boss is looking for someone with specialised skills. Don't make the mistake of volunteering. This will lead to an unpleasant workload that creates lots of stress.

Friends are pressuring you to take an undesirable path. Be willing to go in a different direction. Some people will be offended by your choice. If that's the case, it may be best to end these alliances. You can't lead your life to satisfy others. You have great instincts and should obey them. Just because a job pays a lot of money doesn't mean it will make you happy. You may prefer to pursue a position that offers lots of emotional fulfilment instead.

Your ideas won't be well received at work, which is disappointing. You've done a lot of work to create a compelling proposal, but some people will resist change. Instead of pressing your point, make a strategic retreat. There will come a time when your employer realises the merit of your ideas. At that point, you can come forward and save the day. Until then, focus on fulfilling your regular responsibilities. This failed attempt will not reflect badly on you.

Talking about sensitive subjects like religion and politics will just cause problems. Instead of opening this can of worms, stick to harmless topics like the weather. The last thing you want is to spur a heated argument. Certain friends feel threatened by different ways of perceiving the world. They're intent on converting everyone to their point of view. This can be very insulting to those who don't share their ideas. Fortunately, you're a born diplomat and can quickly nip a confrontation in the bud.

It will be difficult to get your fair share of a joint account. Instead of issuing threats, it may be best to hire a lawyer. That way, you'll do everything above board. Someone is counting on you to get angry. They know how damaging an outburst can be to your reputation. Instead of falling into their trap, take a few steps back. You can get this money, as long as you go through the proper channels. If you think you can cut corners you should think again and do what has to be done.

Be loyal to someone who has fallen on hard times. Although you think they've created many of their own problems, your friend can still benefit from your help. You don't have to give them money or sign a loan, but you can offer moral support. There's a fine line between enabling a bad habit and providing encouragement. Fortunately, you know the difference. If your efforts are rejected, be philosophical. Many times, people make poor choices when placed in a difficult situation.

You won't make as much progress as you desired. Try not to beat yourself up for it. If someone has been withholding important information, it may be necessary to file a complaint or alert your boss to the situation. You can't continue covering for their incompetence. The prospect of making an enemy at work isn't pleasant, but that's better than getting blamed for another person's mistake. You've worked hard to build a respected reputation. Protect it at all costs.

You may not be making inroads with a romantic interest. Instead of pressing the point, turn your focus elsewhere. It's possible you weren't meant to be together. You have a tendency to get fixated on an idea. Letting it go isn't easy. Do yourself a favour and find a distraction. Something as simple as working on a puzzle can keep you occupied. Soon, your obsessive thoughts will pass and you'll develop an interest in someone else. Don't waste your energy on someone who isn't worthy of it.

Getting the support of your family will be more difficult than expected. They don't want you to upset the apple cart. Unfortunately, you're bored with the status quo and yearn for a change. If you're going to switch jobs, don't make a big announcement. Simply send out applications and go on interviews. When you find the position you want, you can tell the world of your plans. At that point, nobody will be able to undermine your confidence.