Turn a deaf ear to well meaning friends who are convinced you should take a crazy risk. Although you have a reputation for being a dare devil, you're not completely insane. As far as you're concerned, you need a good reason to put yourself in the path of danger. Trying a stunt for the sake of showing off isn't your style. It may even be necessary to break a promise for the sake of personal safety. Later on, you'll be glad you resisted this peer pressure.

There's nothing wrong with fantasising about fame and fortune, but you have to remember most success stories involve hard work. If you want to reach a goal, you're going to have to roll up your sleeves and get busy. Resting on your laurels will ultimately work against you. If others see you're putting forth great effort, they'll respect you. Granted, you'll probably make some mistakes along the way, but that's better than sitting around doing nothing.

Be wary of following a popular program for success but be aware, crash diets or get rich quick schemes will fall flat. Worst of all, they'll take hard earned money from your pocket. If you're intent on improving yourself, listen to common sense. Losing weight is a matter of exercising more and eating healthily. Making money is as simple as improving your skill set and netting well paid jobs. Pills, powders, and mantras will just distract you from your ultimate goal. The power to succeed rests in you.

Be scrupulously honest about financial affairs and if your bank account is running dangerously low, tell your business or romantic partner. An angry fight may ensue, but at least nobody can accuse you of deception. Actually, it's probably good if you two express your mutual frustration regarding money. Everybody goes through lean periods. By working through these times together, your relationship will become much stronger. It's all a matter of trusting each other when things get scary. Remember, you're partners, not rivals.

Fight a tendency to withdraw from your nearest and dearest. It may seem as though people won't understand your problems, but that's not the case. Give friends credit for knowing you better than you know yourself. If your ego is bruised, you need to go home and let others take the strain. Plunging into a new project will only add to your hassles and headaches. You need a break so give yourself one.

Technical problems and traffic tie ups could impede your progress so you need to allow for extra time with everything you do. Even then, you may have to cancel an important meeting or postpone a project. At times like these, you need to learn to give in with good grace. Some situations are simply beyond your control. Console yourself with some delicious takeaway food and a good movie rental. Treating yourself gently is half the battle when things go wrong.

You may not feel very certain about your romantic technique right now as a love interest who doesn't seem to return your ardour could shake your confidence. At times like these, you need to stop putting on an act. Being yourself will yield much more impressive results. Don't be afraid to admit your ignorance of a particular topic. If you're bad at sports, come clean. The object of your affection may step forward to help you. It's your chance to make a deep connection.

It's hard to think logically about a troubling family matter and although you want to protect a relative, it may not be possible. Get professional help if you're out of your depth. Alternatively, it may be necessary to cut yourself off from this person until they reform. Lending your loved one money could prove disastrous. The last thing you want to do is enable a bad habit. Be prepared for this person to commit emotional blackmail. When this happens, you need to harden your heart.

Check your appointment book before making plans or you could forget an important meeting. If you inadvertently stand somebody up, issue an immediate apology. It may take a while for this person to forgive you, but that's understandable. Losing a manual could prove disastrous when trying to operate a complicated piece of equipment. Stop trying to figure things out for yourself and send away for another set of instructions or you could break this expensive machine.

Financial fears could make you lose sleep but instead of giving into these fears, make a list of ten things you can do to improve your moneymaking prospects. Carry out one of these plans each day until every single one has been crossed off your list. By that time, your situation will have improved. You'll also be resting easier. When you're stuck in a hole, you've got to start digging your way out. It may take several attempts to get out, but you'll eventually emerge victorious.

Watch the idle chitchat today, or you could waste valuable time, especially right now when it's important to do things rather than discuss them. You might be worried a particular project will fail, because you have little experience in this area. At times like this, you just have to throw yourself into the fire. You'll probably get singed, but you'll also gain valuable know how. If someone keeps distracting you with phone calls, turn off your mobile. There will be plenty of opportunities to catch up later.

It's important to attend to your responsibilities; falling prey to daydreaming will waste precious time. Avoid drugs and alcohol altogether, as you need to think clearly. If you're confused by a set of instructions, ask the person who issued them. It's better to admit you're unsure than to pretend to know what you're doing. You may not realise it, but many other members of your team are just as befuddled as you are. The powers that be could have done a better job giving directions.