We all love to feel like we're making progress, but sometimes, even when we're moving forward, the grind is such a slog that it feels futile. So we can't go entirely on how it feels. The sun and Venus come together in ambitious Capricorn now, urging us to keep track of the efforts we make, not just results. Evidence of effort can sustain and motivate us when the win is still far off.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Feeling behind? It's just an illusion caused by comparison. Stay on your own path. Someone else's timeline is irrelevant to the terrain you're walking. Your pace has its own logic. Trust it. Rushing won't get you there faster.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). How could you make yourself 10% happier, more comfortable or more excited to be where you need to be? Your mood sets the tone. If you're having fun, everyone else will feel it, too. That's how influential you are today.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). If you could read minds, you'd sense that someone is smitten with you and wishing for your charming attention. No need to act on it. Simply enjoy the dynamic that will make interactions sweeter and keep the mood buoyant for everyone.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). In unfamiliar settings, the basic instinct may be a classic defensive posture, but that's not the only way to go. More sophisticated defenses include postures of friendliness, charm, usefulness, observation or simply openness. Not every new scene requires armor.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It does seem like the situation won't change anytime soon. When a circumstance won't budge, there's no use in trying to shove it. Shift your stance instead. Frustration is just energy with nowhere to go, and you can redirect it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Yes, there will be obstacles, but you're alert and nimble today. You'll swerve, leap or knock down whatever shows up. The secret? You expect surprises instead of pretending life should run perfectly.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Success is not objective. There is no universal standard; every definition is invented by someone. So you might as well invent one that suits you. When you define success generously, you feel successful sooner, which energizes the mission.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You will be in a position to lead people who don't want to be led. Some people won't follow orders, but they'll follow momentum. Create a current. Show them where you're going and why it's exciting.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You're responsible. Nothing falls apart on your watch. When life slows down, you're still busy keeping up the maintenance such as chores, commitments, relationships, obligations and more. Today, that will be your success secret and saving grace.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Some people take on a lot, others very little. As for you, the luxury of choosing wasn't offered. You were pushed to handle more, so now you can — and you do. People admire your strength and are inspired by your resilience.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You're not aiming to uncover some secret of the moment or do anything groundbreaking. Even though your intent is to show up in a low-key way, the thing is, you're bringing your whole self, heart, soul and attention, which makes extraordinary things happen.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). A fear keeps circling back, but just because it's recurring doesn't mean it's valid. This is just a story you haven't updated. You're no longer the version of you who first believed that script. Edit accordingly.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 6). Enter your Year of Golden Connections. It's all about the people who lift you higher — collaborators, friends, clients and allies who catalyze and appreciate your magic. Relationship upgrades abound — some deepen, some begin and some heal. More highlights: You'll quickly launch a lucrative idea. You'll travel for a reunion of sorts. A domestic improvement brings comfort and beauty. Virgo and Aries adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 16, 2, 5, 30 and 42.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Rowan Atkinson follows up the buzz of "Man vs. Bee" with the Netflix comedy "Man vs. Baby" in a release auspiciously timed closely with the comic genius's solar return. Paradoxically, spontaneity often demands meticulous effort, which is a Capricorn specialty. The drive to evoke light laughter can stem from profound pathos and deep empathy, while the cost of comedic genius lies in great discipline and an unwavering dedication to craft.

For more Holiday magic, visit HolidayMathis.com. To find out more about Holiday Mathis and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: Jakub ?erdzicki at Unsplash