With terms like "Artificial Intelligence" and "The Internet of Things" becoming mainstream, it's clear our world is changing rapidly. What does this mean for managing your career? It means your most valuable asset is your ability to learn, adapt, and move toward the growth. 

According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report, top skills in demand in 2020 will include things like cognitive flexibility, creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.  

Any time there is change, humans have emotional responses to it. Since the rate of change is quite literally on an exponential curve, we will have to learn how to manage our emotions and get on with the business of adapting in order to thrive.  

Here are some thoughts on how to adapt and plan to thrive over the next 3 years: 

1. Understand and accept that change is happening (whether you like it or not.)  

Driverless delivery trucks? Yes, that is indeed coming. Completely new retail model? Just walk around any mall these days and you will see what our collective Amazon habit has done. 

You may not work in either of these fields, but most every industry will experience significant change in the near term. Keep abreast of developments and their implications through sites like Singularity Hub and Giant Leap. 

2. Actively manage your career development and learn new skills. 

It's critical that you look out for yourself and your career well-being. No one is going to hand you a guide book and tell you how to navigate.  

Seek out opportunities to learn new skills. Devote at least an hour a week to expanding your skill set. Challenge yourself to say 'yes' to things that are a stretch for you. 

Being on the edge of discomfort has to become your new normal if you are determined to thrive in the new world of work.   

3. Follow the growth. 

If you are in a declining industry, see how you can make a shift to one that is growing. If your skill sets are being automated, re-train. If you need to re-invent yourself, do it in a growing field. 

4. Develop and maintain a strong network of relationships. 

Believe it or not, our uniquely human skills are going to become more important than ever. Emotional intelligence, creativity, and judgment are wonderful assets. 

In order to understand how to develop and maintain a thriving career, you need to get out and make human connections. There is no substitute for a network of strong relationships to learn, grow, and connect. 

What are your plans for managing your career amidst exponential change? I'd love to hear in the comments below!