You're too harsh on yourself and it's holding you back from taking decisive action. As a human being, you have the right to make mistakes. Expect to repeat these mistakes from time to time; you can't possibly turn into a perfect performance until you get plenty of practice. Although you're usually a quick study, some skills take time to acquire. Give yourself constant encouragement, especially when you take a fall.

Being dependent on anyone makes you feel uncomfortable ask yourself why. By examining these feelings you'll learn more than you realise, after all, you have no trouble bestowing generosity on your nearest and dearest. Perhaps what you secretly fear is that accepting favours makes you somehow indebted to your pals. Instead of keeping score on who owes what, bask in the comforting knowledge that a sizable support network surrounds you. That's more than most people have.

You are very defensive regarding your public reputation - paranoia? If friends, relatives or colleagues seem to disapprove of your behaviour, don't rush to defend yourself. Trying to explain your actions will only invite further criticism. On the other hand, if you've genuinely harmed somebody, the best thing you can do is offer a sincere apology, and throw yourself at the mercy of the person in question. What's done is done to stick to damage limitation and don't make a drama out of a crisis.

You feel the fates are against you but it is simply not true. Instead of waiting for your fairy godmother to arrive, do something to change your current circumstances. Moving to a new location may be long overdue. Although you have strong ties to where you live, it may be the time to forge a fresh life for you and yours elsewhere. Investigate your sense of place. There's nothing more exciting than reinventing yourself.

Any anxieties about the future are money-related so take control of your cash. Perhaps you've been squandering funds on senseless luxuries, or maybe a main source of income has been cut off unexpectedly. At times like these, you need to readjust your fiscal focus. Make a list of ways to cut back expenses, and an effort to put a set percentage of your salary into savings each week. This is a test of your resourcefulness.

Working alone gives you the assurance that everything will get done on time. However, if you're forced to take on a partner, try to do so in a gracious manner. Otherwise, the person you're dealing with will sense your animosity, and make the proceedings that more difficult. Try not to micromanage. Take some time to study your colleague's strong points. This will allow you to let go of certain responsibilities without too much pain.

You may think you know all there is to know about a certain subject, but do you really? By giving people beneath you just a smidge of credit, you could learn some valuable lessons. There may be new or emerging technologies of which you aren't aware, or inventive methods that are totally alien to you. By keeping an open mind, you'll win the respect and cooperation of everybody in your organization. That air of sophistication isn't helping you so don't look down your nose it's such a nasty pose.

You're reluctant to show what is in your heart because you've been hurt before. Unfortunately, this close-lipped attitude is creating a wall between you and the people who you need to connect with. Make a special effort to show your vulnerability to a child. Once they understand that you have your weaknesses, it will be easier for them to relate to you. You must admit, you can be extremely intimidating even when you think you're as soft as butter.

Strong emotional family ties make it difficult for you to form other attachments. Maybe you were made to feel that relying on others was ill advised. Perhaps you had a bad relationship modelled to you as a child. Whatever the reason for your fears, it's time to face them head-on. Take some steps back and try to view your current situation objectively. Are the same elements at work, or are you jumping to conclusions?

One reason people don't fall in with your suggestions is that you don't push them hard enough. The next time somebody asks you what you want to do, speak up and don't back down. Better yet, counter a suggestion with one of your own ideas, and talk it up. You're no stranger to competition, so pushing your agenda should come easily to you. Be as feisty in private as you are in public and that way people will take you more seriously.

You're far too frugal when your leisurely pursuits, and that's such a shame. By constantly denying yourself creature comforts, you're telling your subconscious that you're not worthy of indulgence. Come on and trip the light fantastic and spend some money on yourself. Book tickets to your favourite panto, vacation destination or buy yourself a nifty electronic gadget that you've had your eye on for some time. Grit your teeth and spoil yourself - it's Christmas you know!

It a relief to let others shoulder burdens for you but don't let it become a habit. If you do, you could get lulled into a false sense of security. At some point, you will be forced to do battle for yourself, and you need to stay in practice. The next time someone offers to do your dirty work for you or represent your interests, turn them down. Dealing with personal problems will give your confidence a much-needed boost but more importantly a sense of control, achievement and destiny over your own life.