By trying to satisfy the hopes others have of you, are you curbing your real personality? Living up to your boss's or a parent's expectations could be a burden you could probably do without. Somehow you have got yourself into a situation where you are putting other peoples' interests in front of your own. Today, ask yourself whether this is through choice or obligation. Start acting in a way to please yourself, not them.

Carrying out an errand, delivering a message or doing someone a favour will give you the chance to mix business with pleasure. If lately you feel as if there has been too much play and not enough work, that's all about to change. A colleague might consult you about the best way to proceed with a challenging new venture. Getting involved from the start guarantees you have a place in this exciting project from beginning to end.

Be careful about entering a new partnership with someone you don't yet know a lot about. It is possible that they aren't as reliable or responsible as they are making themselves out to be. You don't want to end up in a position where decisions made today might later give you cause for concern. Your best course of action would be to research new possibilities thoroughly. It's not a day to make firm and binding commitments.

You may feel pressured into standing up for yourself even if this means upsetting someone in a position of authority. They may make their feelings known in no uncertain terms and even if this has you quaking in your shoes, don't let this stop you from asserting yourself. You don't want to regret having given in to someone because of timidity. Be assertive today; once others get over their shock, they will admire you for it.

You can't help but notice other peoples' faults, mistakes and blunders. It could be obvious, however, that someone is having an off day and to criticise their efforts when normally their standards are high, would be to judge them unfairly. If trivialities tend to irritate you, this could be a sign that you need to face up to something within yourself. What is it that's really on your mind? Sort out your own problems and you won't be so fault-finding with people.

It might feel as if you're incredibly popular today, even though it will be a handful of friends who seem to be falling over themselves to get to you. People want to hear your advice, views and observations. Some may offer some stimulating offers or invitations. You can't be there for everyone and you can't be in two places at the same time. Make your choices and act on them. Deliberate for too long and there may not be time for anything.

If it feels like a regular visitor is starting to invade your space and privacy, let them know it before the end of the day. You aren't being impolite by telling someone they have overstayed their welcome. Your home should be a place of escape, solace and relaxation. Instead you want to retreat from the company of those who can't seem to keep away. There are some who just cling like ivy. You need to step back from someone who is relying on you too heavily.

An impulsive act may cause you some embarrassment early in the day. Don't let this prey on your mind as the best thing you can do is ignore it. You are trying hard to express yourself honestly and clearly but your emotions keep getting in the way. Even if you stop and think before you speak, you might still feel tongue-tied and awkward. Since face-to-face conversations don't seem to be working, you might try putting your thoughts into writing.

Before turning down anyone's offer of help, try looking at the situation through their eyes. Should you say no without explanation, this could be mistaken for resentment or hostility. If, however, you make it plain that there is something you want to do on your own, this shouldn't affect your relationship. Something you borrowed might seem to have vanished without trace and buying a replacement could cost you a small fortune.

If you must stick to every rule and procedure, it's unlikely you will make a lot of progress today. Your perfectionist trait is held in high regard by others but sometimes you can go over the top in your insistence to play by the rules. Listen to the suggestions of others and watch what they do. It's all well and good being a stickler for routine but today you could learn the value of being versatile, too.

You might be seriously considering the possibility of working from your kitchen table or spare bedroom. You can think of more pros than cons and working in familiar surroundings will bring out your imaginative side. You might also consider developing your psychic abilities. You will find comfort in studying the rituals of and philosophies of dreams and mystical experiences.

Does it really matter what those around you think? Stick by your decision to do something you want regardless of what anyone else has to say. Following your own inclinations is your secret weapon against boredom and monotony. People are quick to offer advice and suggestions but it's your life they're talking about not theirs. What's good for them may not be good for you and vice versa. And ultimately, it's your choices that truly matter.