If it’s your birthday

Identify the kinds of doubts that eat away at your confidence, and address them directly. Most people you know are still caught in the same fears they were five or 10 or 20 years ago. You are embarking on a major new phase of your life, and you can only go forward from a place of actual self-esteem. Be bold about challenging beliefs instilled in you by your family. You share a birthday with Bruce Lee, Jimi Hendrix, and Samantha Bond. MARCH 21-APRIL 19 Go out of your way to be diplomatic today, and indeed through the whole week. You could take leadership and guide events in a positive direction; or you could lapse in your awareness, and spark needless conflict. Start by making sure you’re at peace with yourself, then let that spread. APRIL 20-MAY 20 A task at work today will require your undivided and mindful attention. It must be done with precision and care, and then you’ll need to ensure that, over the next four to five days, things don’t get undone. So, do your best; consult with those who know more than you; and make things right. MAY 21-JUNE 20 Put a little flair into a workrelated presentation or encounter today, though make sure you’re 100% honest. If you’re exaggerating, say so. If something is offered for illustration purposes, make that clear. Your imagination is running strong, and your genius streak is in full force. JUNE 21-JULY 22 Be confident about taking on challenging tasks at work this week, though maintain a sense of balance. For example, if you’ve never done something before, add a little extra time to the schedule. If you get stuck and need help, get that help sooner rather than later. Cooperation is essential. JULY 23-AUG. 22 If an important discussion has stalled out, be patient. Give a partner or loved one time to respond, and to approach you with what they want to say. If this goes on for a couple of days, remind them that you’re available for a conversation. If that doesn’t work, gently bring up the subject yourself. AUG. 23-SEPT. 22 It matters not whether others are truthful or forthcoming with you. All that matters is that you are in touch with reality. Don’t be distracted or confused by anyone’s amnesia, wishful thinking or colorful storytelling abilities. Stay in touch with your actual feelings, whatever they are. SEPT. 23-OCT. 22 Pay careful attention to your environment, which basically means how you feel when you walk into a room. Make sure you get plenty of fresh air and as much sunshine as you can get this time of year. And if you notice that any people feel toxic, politely slip out and do a disappearing act. OCT. 23-NOV. 21 Pay attention to a financial matter this week. You may be able to resolve something that’s been nagging you for a while. You will need to come 100% out of helpless mode and be open to negotiation. That means a process of give and take that you personally initiate. DEC. 22-JAN. 19 You must be decisive, and yet carefully check to ensure there’s not a trace of self-destructive impulse in any choice you make. That doesn’t mean refusing to take risks; it’s about the kinds of risks, your motives for taking them, and your probability of success. Pay close attention. JAN. 20-FEB. 18 Be careful with money today. Something you think is worth a great deal might not be worth so much, and you might find it cheaper in a few days. As for something you’re offering, such as for sale, or to a client, give it a day or two before you finalize your asking price, and then stick to it. FEB. 19-MARCH 20 Present yourself exactly the way you want to be seen. It will help if there’s some truth to the image you’re projecting, because you will soon enough have to live up to what you say. However, you have lots of room to be creative, and to add color, feeling and tone to who you really are.