Success in a given field takes more than talent; it takes determination, persistence and belief in yourself. At times it might seem you're never going to reach the goals you're currently striving towards. Don't entertain thoughts of failure. Keep your mind thinking only of getting to the place you want to be. Let your thoughts centre on just good things; this will help you overcome current stumbling blocks.

If you're feeling a little down, call a friend, visit a neighbour or get involved in group activities. A team spirit will help you feel as if you're making a contribution to society. People will soon come to rely on you for your help; be sure to keep your promises. Socialise and get more involved in what's going on around you as this is the ideal formula for gaining the maximum of happiness now.

Some situations you enter today have a distinct atmosphere about them; you might feel you'd rather be somewhere else. You must be the judge of how hostile the environment is and decide for yourself what to do. If you feel you are best out of it, beat a quick retreat. If you can think of ways to make the situation better, you might make a few suggestions even if there are some who are going to take a hostile stance, no matter what.

The best defence against sensitivity to the criticism of others is to know yourself. From a confident stance, you can accept criticism for whatever reason it may have been given. Whether the intention was to guide your path, to help you improve on what you do, or to try to humiliate you, it doesn't matter. You see yourself honestly and you'll see where you can benefit from people's comments and which ones are best ignored.

Either someone is sworn to secrecy or they're being deliberately cagey today. If they seem vague and unwilling to reveal all the details of their future plans, you are right to feel they have something to hide. It is entirely possible they don't yet know all the facts and aren't keen to admit it. Even so, there is something devious going on and until you find out what lies at the root of all this, you should be cautious.

If romance is growing stale and your physical needs aren't being met by your partner, speak up; don't suffer in silence. Snap decisions are not advisable. You would do better to discuss what you're thinking especially if your concern is for someone either in a work or more personal relationship. You don't have to bruise anyone's ego by suggesting what can be done to improve your love life or your work situation. In fact this may be the most enlightening discussion you've had this year.

Making long term plans won't get you very far if you're too vague about your goals and objectives. You need to have a target to work for and you also need to know how to go about achieving it. Good planning is your key to contentment and even success over the months ahead. Think over what you want from life in general then work steadily towards these goals. Time will prove this a wise course of action.

If there is anyone around you who could do with some assistance, be sure to offer a helping hand. Just as you'd be happy to have a true friend around during those hard times you sometimes go through, you can also be a friend to people who are in tougher conditions. If you've been feeling confused try eating more healthily. Your thinking will become clearer if you avoid foods which aren't good for you and be sure to exercise more.

Refuse to listen to anyone's comments if they're trying to cast doubt on the reliability of someone you care for. They have earned your trust and loyalty and for this reason, you won't even consider another person's well meaning but unnecessary words. People don't know them as you do and there are some things, today, you will refuse to listen to. New relationships and friendships begun now could be surprising in the nicest possible way.

You're conscious of the good things happening to you now and you realise you've got a lot to thank someone for. The success of changes being instigated could have a lot to do with your creativity or ingenuity. You will not have made choices without considering all who are concerned. Your idea is to bring about improvements into your world which will keep everyone happy. You have every chance in succeeding with this aim.

Success and happiness are subjective; that's why you feel content with a state of affairs someone else complains about. Suggest other people take a situation and see what they can get out of it. You're happy to mostly focus on the positive and you aren't alone. There are others around you who are getting a lot out of today's events and activities. What's important is you are completely in touch with your feelings and you're happy being independent and productive.

Trying to succeed means being willing to fail; don't let a fear of failure hold you back. Be prepared to fall down a few times and to suffer setbacks on the road to success. It might take a few rejections and disappointments before you make it and you aren't likely to be an overnight success. Remember, it takes commitment and persistence to achieve your goals. If you don't give up, you can succeed no matter what obstacles are in your way.