The coming week will see everyone respond, in his or her own way, to the need to double down on a commitment of some kind. It's not likely to be the same kind of commitment for everyone, but everyone will, one way or another, be compelled to do more, to reach further, to take a greater risk or to commit more resources than perhaps ever before -- all in the name of doing what has been promised and of living up to expectations and one's reputation. Indeed, each individual's standards will be tested: Anyone whose standards are usually high will take it as a matter of course that more must be done; those who are used to compromising may not be able to stretch themselves quite so readily.
For some, the requirements may take choice out of the equation altogether, as financial realities simply require them to do more in the name of mere survival. There is something to be said, however, for maintaining a certain standard of living, and most will not want to allow theirs to be diminished at all.
ARIES (March 21-April 4) -- It will all come down to being yourself. Others may try to force you into an uncomfortable mold, but it's not likely to happen. (April 5-April 19) -- Your care for those under you will be demonstrated in an unusual way. You're not about to let them down!
TAURUS (April 20-May 5) -- You can pick up the pace, but you mustn't endanger those around you. You may have to make a certain personal sacrifice. (May 6-May 20) -- You can work with others to ensure that what you have worked so hard to build isn't taken from you. Stand your ground, by all means.
GEMINI (May 21-June 6) -- You're likely to uncover some information that has you working toward a brand-new goal, but certain key benefits remain constant. (June 7-June 20) -- You'll need to invest in a certain plan in a way that tells others that you're in it for keeps. Don't hedge your bets.
CANCER (June 21-July 7) -- You can take advantage of some downtime to get something done that would otherwise be hanging over you all week long. (July 8-July 22) -- You're becoming more concerned about a situation that others are ignoring. You can take the lead and show everyone what must be done.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) -- You'll receive a great many messages that require immediate response, but sometimes someone will have to wait. (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- You can take advantage of an unforeseen opportunity, and with a little assistance, you can rise to the top very quickly.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) -- It's your turn. When all is said and done, you'll be able to point to a certain constant as a major comfort. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) -- Others will be supportive of your hard work, but no one is likely to support an idea that you don't back wholeheartedly.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- You may have trouble rearranging your schedule to accommodate a new assignment, but it's really just a matter of priority, isn't it? (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) -- First impressions can truly make all the difference. After that, everything may actually be quite routine.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7) -- You must be willing to devote a certain amount of time to a problem that is not of your making. Others see you as their savior. (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- You may have overstated your case recently. You'll be in a position to demonstrate the reality of the situation.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- You can't afford to skip any steps that might put you across the finish line. And don't take any shortcuts with safety! (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -- You may find the obstacles that lie in your path to be more daunting than usual, but you can surely pull yourself together and overcome them.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- No one is likely to tell you how to do things, though you may be beholden to one who has taught you much in the past. (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- Others may not see your behavior as selfless, but the fact is that you're doing almost everything for someone else.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- You may become engaged in a struggle that requires you to take risks that are much bigger than usual. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- That which speaks to your nobler instincts will be worth your time and effort; avoid anything that seems somehow ignoble.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) -- Your reputation can survive a major threat, provided that all you do comes from the heart. Being genuine is everything. (March 6-March 20) -- You've been waiting long enough for word from afar. You may have to act without it and simply hope for the best.