Working with a talented person is intimidating. You're starting to doubt your own abilities for the first time. This is a healthy development for you. By taking a few steps backward, you'll see areas where you can improve. Make it your business to fill in the gaps of your knowledge. Take a class, hire a tutor or undergo a training session. By learning to become more diplomatic, you'll be able to negotiate much better agreements. You will catch more flies with honey than you would with vinegar.

It's time to address some problems in your workplace. People don't feel comfortable collaborating with an abusive colleague who has caused the rest of the group to become silent. As a result, it's impossible to get a consensus on how to do work. Brilliant solutions are being suppressed instead of championed. The sooner you address this conflict, the faster it will be solved. Once you stand up to this bully, others will rally behind you. You may not realise this, but your words have tremendous power.

If you're going to enjoy a holiday, you must make plans in advance. Continuing to wait for a more convenient time to get away will just result in more missed opportunities. Sit down with your calendar and block out a week or two for a getaway. If you want to take a trip with friends, send out a group email. Ask everyone to respond by a certain date. Anyone who isn't able to commit to a plan will have to accept the consequences.

Think carefully before accepting a position with lots of responsibility. It may be better for you to have a more flexible schedule. Being able to attend to family responsibilities is more important than devoting all your time to a demanding job. Don't worry. Future opportunities for advancement will come when you need them most. Taking care of a child, elderly relative or extensive property should be your first priority now. Be at peace with your choice to downsize.

Learning from a seasoned expert will be more challenging than envisaged. Your instructor won't be as kind and compassionate as you expect. Be ready to work hard and receive no encouragement in return. By keeping your nose to the grindstone and completing this course, you'll finally earn your teacher's respect. Until then, your performance will be continually critiqued. Instead of lashing out, develop a thicker skin. It's the only way you'll be to successfully fill the gaps to your knowledge.

You're envious of those who seem to have so much more than you. It doesn't seem fair you are struggling to make ends meet while less talented people are living on easy street. If you could get a peek into these people's souls, you would be surprised. Although they have a lot of creature comforts, they're not very happy. They lack your ability to be engaged with the world. Your greatest gift is a natural curiosity about the world. Give thanks for it.

Someone who has been interfering with your personal life must be confronted. Although you hate creating conflict, it's the only way to stop a toxic situation. Telling a relative to mind their own business will take tremendous courage. You've been trained to treat others respectfully. This rule can be suspended when you're being manipulated. Don't hesitate to cut off contact with someone who calls at inappropriate times and demands outrageous favours. You have better things to do with your time.

You have an impulse to help people in need. Some people are worth the effort but many are not. Be more discerning about the company you keep. Rather than pouring all your energy into rescue missions, do something nice for yourself. This could include anything from studying for pleasure to finishing a creative project to going on an extended holiday. It's admirable you want to make the world a better place. Letting opportunists take advantage of you shouldn't be part of the process.

It's been difficult to find opportunities to show off your expertise. This has been discouraging. Instead of bashing your head against a brick wall, change direction. Join a professional or social organisation. Meeting people who share your ambitions and interests will be helpful. The access you require to an important institution will be given once you have a personal reference. Put your pride aside for the sake of progress. Nobody achieves success on their own; it's always a group effort.

Overconfidence has caused a setback. Instead of being blindsided by shock, pick yourself up and dust yourself off. Figure out what you must do to improve. A competitor who isn't as polished or sophisticated has outperformed you. Let this be a valuable lesson about success. A glossy image means nothing without talent and knowledge. Polish basic skills. Practice advanced one. Study as much as you can about developments in your field of interest. Even experts don't rest on their laurels.

Instead of pretending to have an intimate knowledge of a complicated subject, admit your ignorance. Ask lots of questions. Request a tutorial. Your humble attitude will make a great impression on someone who wants to hire staff. Once this VIP sees your willingness to learn, they'll offer you an impressive job. Take this opportunity to move into an unusual business. Selling products and services to a niche market could be very profitable for you. Be willing to take a risk.

Trying to win someone's approval by giving expensive gifts will fall flat. You're better off working hard and producing impressive work. If you're dealing with someone who likes putting you down, create some impressive samples. Tuck these items into your portfolio and move on. Staying in a dead-end situation will result in missed opportunities. It will also affect your self-esteem. Squeeze the remaining benefits from your current position and head for greener pastures.