How many times have you heard a friend, colleague, or even your kid say, “I’m just not good at ‘X’” (sports, math… you insert the right word)? Or, how often do YOU say that when faced with a challenge?

I said it just the other day when describing the training I’ve just started for an Ironman triathlon. Half joking, I relayed to a friend that, “I’m just not a good swimmer.” This is what I believe about my ability to perform well in the first discipline of what is sure to be the toughest race I’ve ever done.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the future of work, with a focus on both the trends that will impact jobs and professions, as well as the skills employers will demand as a result. As with many of us, my first thoughts go to technology – it seems that every report we hear talks about disruption and automation, and how so many jobs will be eliminated as a result.

With 2018 in full swing, I’m getting calls from people acting on resolutions to kick start their career. Some are looking to make a change, trying to figure out how best to transition into something different and more challenging, while others are trying to gain traction in their job search. With this in mind, here are a few key ideas to consider.