So, you've read the case study and are probably itching to work out your own life number now. Here's a simple guide to help you get started, together with the nine numbers and their meanings. How to do it: First, have pen and paper ready and follow these steps carefully. Write the day, month and year of your birth. Here's an example: Cheryl Smith's full date of birth is 14 May 1980. Because she was born in May, her month of birth will be 5. If you were born in January, it would be 1, or if born in February, it would be 2, and so on. Add up all the numbers in the full birth date until you have a single number at the end. Here is Cheryl's calculation: 14 + 5 + 1980 = (1+4) + 5 + (1+9+8+0) = 5 + 5 + 18 (1+8) = 5 + 5 + 9 = 19 = 1+9 = 10 = 1+0 = 1. Ten reduced to a single number is 1. Therefore, Cheryl's life number is ONE. 1 Mr or Ms Independent. You were probably born into a close family or have a tight circle of caring friends. Either way, your lesson is independence. You must learn to do things your own way. The One is an individual. It's important that you stand on your own two feet and take responsibility for your life. A natural leader, you'll be a good boss some day. Medicine, engineering and the arts are smart career choices. 2 The Diplomat. You are sweet and caring. One of your biggest dreams is to make the world a better place. You hate it when people argue and also bottle up your feelings because you don't like hurting others. Release negative emotions by doing vigorous exercise or listening to music. Hotel management, nursing or any other career in which you can help people are top job choices. 3 The Hollywood celebrity. Imagination and fantasy are the air you breathe. Even if you're shy, anything to do with the arts, creativity, drama or expressing yourself is where you're most at home. Your destiny is to bring joy to others. Focus on developing a talent, whether it's singing, sculpting, drawing, pottery or interior design, and become the best you can be. You'll enjoy theatre, film, painting, graphic design or any other creative field where you can dare to dream. 4 The Worker. Want to get the job done? Call a Four. Strong and determined, you are the builders of the world. When faced with tough situations, you can take on far more than others. If you keep calm, are logical and take care of your responsibilities, you'll be extremely successful. Consider administrative, technological or engineering fields as possible careers. 5 The Energy Bunny. Quick-witted, intelligent and freedom-loving, you see life as a big, bold adventure. Your lesson is to find a balance between all that restless go-go energy and committing to positive relationships and projects. You might find that you get bored easily. That's okay, but don't give up before you've reached your goals. Journalism, public relations, marketing and any job involving meetings and team-building are wonderful career choices. 6 The Caregiver. Friends, family and strangers always seem to turn to you in a crisis. People think you're the one in charge when things are tough. Being a good friend and citizen will bring you the best opportunities in life. Even when responsibilities seem to weigh you down, by helping others, you will find so much more coming back to you. For a soul-boosting career, choose education, hospitality or medicine. 7 The Seeker. You want to understand the meaning of life and, more than anything, dislike shallow people or things. Studying is one of your greatest passions, even if you are not very academic. Do you hide your feelings behind a brave face? Try to be more open, even though you don't like people getting too close to the inner you. Consider careers in science, statistics, teaching, philosophy, psychology or journalism. 8 The Whiz Kid. Want someone to run your company and make a fortune? Look no further than an Eight. Ambitious and organised, you were born to run in the rat race, have natural authority and are capable of great things. With commitment and determination, you can rise to the top in any career - but do remember that all work and no play is not healthy. A happy career for you? Being head of a company, president of a country or starting your own business. You're the boss. 9 The Positive Thinker. Compassionate, caring and worried about global warming, you feel deeply about the state of the nation and your neighbour. This attitude often gets you into trouble, because you poke your nose in where you shouldn't - just because you want to help. Your greatest lesson is to have faith in yourself. To feel calm, safe and happy, you must love yourself first. Once you do that, things will fall into place. Being a travel guide, social worker, game ranger, environmentalist, politician or teacher might appeal to you.