Look into that crystal ball and what do you see on your personal employment horizon?

Of course, it's impossible to know for sure. But you should have a good idea where you intend to be five years from now.

What will your job look like?

Who will you be working for?

How are you going to get there?

If you haven't given this any thought, or if your answer is that things will look pretty much the same as they do today - then I'd suggest you give this more consideration.

The job market is dynamic. Straight line career trajectories are pretty much a thing of the past. Throw in inevitable economic fluctuations, worldwide competition, industry lifecycles and the like, and you can see how crucial it is that you actively manage your career.

Step one is to chart your course. You don't set sail with no idea where you're trying to go; your career is no different. Drifting in the water and hoping for the best isn't going to get you to your destination.

That doesn't mean that once you create your course - your business plan - it'll remain static. Quite the contrary. You'll need to constantly review it and should count on the fact that you'll adjust it over time.

One of the most important aspects of laying the groundwork for the future is the ability to adapt and succeed in a fluid environment.

Know the latest trends. Know what's going on at your company...with your competitors...in your industry. Stay on top of what they're up to in Washington. Know how broader trends and philosophies are shaping the overall business climate and how that might impact your job and career.

Incorporate this intelligence with your own personal goals. From there, you should be able to come up with an educated prediction about how things will look a few years down the road - and your strategy regarding how to put yourself in the best possible position to capitalize and get to where you want to be.