While you should always try to feel comfortable with yourself, just as you are, it never hurts to focus on self-improvement — especially if you have a few traits that just aren't workin' for you. If you notice that your personality is holding you back in life, for example, it can help to do a little self-reflection and figure out what, exactly, might be going wrong.
One of the best places to start, if you're into astrology, is by taking a peak at the traits associated with your zodiac sign. "Every zodiac sign is associated with positive and negative characteristics; this tension compels life forward and outlines the journey from youth to maturity," astrologer and tarot reader Charmaine Frapp tells Bustle. "Depending on events, people of the same zodiac sign may demonstrate more of a negative characteristic than others."
So, what can you do if you're not a huge fan of the proverbial cards you've been dealt? "It is always possible to become aware of a negative trait and seek to mitigate it by being patient with yourself and seeking advice from those you trust," Frapp says. Below, some traits you might notice in yourself, based on your sign. If you don't like them, or they're holding you back in life, don't be afraid to make a change.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
As an Aries, you're incredibly competitive. And that's great. But do keep in mind how a way-too-intense desire to get ahead can actually hold you back. "This personality trait boosts Aries’ ability to reach goals but may lead to conflicts with others and inadvertently sabotage professional opportunities, not to mention personal relationships," astrologer Rachel Lang tells Bustle. "It’s helpful for Aries to be open to collaboration."
Taurus (April 20 – May 21)
Taurus tends to resist change, and that can keep you stuck in your ways, if you're not careful. As Frapp says, "Taurus signs have a tendency to be dramatic, take constructive criticism too personally, and resist change, which can make friendships difficult overtime. Serving others is a way to embolden a Taurus from the core, without creating ego or self-centeredness."
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
You, Gemini, have a knack for getting sh*t done. But your multi-tasking ways aren't always the healthiest. Or the most helpful. "Gemini can spread themselves too thin and commit to too many things," Lang says. "This can lead them to feel overwhelmed and unproductive. When Gemini focuses their attention to complete one thing at a time, they can accomplish a lot and reach new levels of success."
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Cancers love security, which can lead them into healthy relationships, jobs they love, and stable friendships. But if this is you, be wary of getting too comfy and become becoming risk-averse. "Because Cancer is so creative, even entrepreneurial, when Cancer does take a healthy, calculated risk, they usually have the ability to reach incredible success," Lang says. "Cancer’s intuition never leads them in a wrong direction. But fear of failure or loss will cloud that intuitive knowing."
Leo (July 22 – August 22)
While you certainly have successes of your own, it's not uncommon for Leos to try to steal someone else's spotlight. "Leos are known for showing off and taking credit for another’s accomplishments," Frapp says. "While boasting can be endearing, other times it creates tension among the ranks. This especially causes issues within a family, such as sibling rivalry, as well as at work between co-workers who are lower down in the pyramid than a Leo." Don't let this habit get you in trouble, or hold you back.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
As a Virgo, you crave — and even live for — perfection. But don't let this tendency get in your way. "When Virgo obsesses about details, trying to be perfect, they might procrastinate and wind up frustrated," Lang says. "Mistakes do happen and can actually turn into happy accidents. Relaxing and accepting this awareness, going with the flow of life, can help Virgo better enjoy work, relationships, and family. "
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Since Libra is represented by the scales, this can lead you to constantly "weigh" all your options. And that's great. But (surprise surprise) it's a trait that can get in your way. "Libra might not know which direction to turn, which path to choose. Indecision can lead Libra to feeling stuck in a rut or worse, complacent," says Lang. If this is you, it can help to chat with a friend, counselor, or an astrologer. "By talking it out, Libra can hear their own voice and tune into their intuition."
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Scorpios are tuned in with their thoughts and feelings, but often to an unhealthy degree. "Scorpios ... have a tendency to be overly harsh and self-critical to the point of self-destructive behavior," Scorpio says. Not only can this feel overwhelming to you, Scorpio, but it can affect your relationships, too. "Scorpios take a long time to trust lovers and an even longer time trusting themselves."
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
One of the easiest ways to get ahead in life is by listening and creating connections with others. And yet, this is something a Sagittarius might struggle with. "Often these negative traits occur because the Sagittarius does not want to slow down, which can be hard in a relationship," Frapp says. Make sure you always take time to slow down.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
You work hard, and status is always at the top of your list. And that's fine — to have goals and want success. Keep in mind, though, how this attitude isn't always the most beneficial. "This makes them well-suited to the business world, but often leads them to plateau, out of touch with their true desires," Frapp says. "It can also lead to inauthentic friendships and a sense of detachment." And nobody wants that.
Aquarius (January 29 – February 18)
Aquarians have the beautiful ability to connect with others, and are often deep and sensitive. But they can also feel unsure of themselves. "This can lead an Aquarius to feel lost in terms of career," Frapp says. Taking small risks towards a life-long goal can help, as can tapping into your ability to connect to others, so you can have more support.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Pisces have a tendency to get lost in their heads, and this can be incredibly helpful when pursuing a creative life. But when it comes to forging relationships or reaching out for help? Not so much. As Frapp tells me, one way to fix this issue is by connecting to the outside world, possibly through service work. "This could be done through work or caring for friends or family in a regular, meaningful way," she says.
Anything sound familiar? If so, don't worry! You can either keep rocking yourself just the way you are, or make some subtle changes to help even things out.
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