Work is a head game -- and to play the game, you've got to be in shape.

When it's time to get into shape, you go to the gym or get a personal trainer. Then, you work out. So, when it's time for a new job what do you do? You get the Personal Job Trainer. Then, you work up. Work up to new attitudes. Work up to new understanding.

The Personal Job Trainer says: "Think yourself strong."

So what should you work on first? Do you need to lose some bad attitudes? Do you need to build up your dotcom areas? Do you want to look better in the new economy?

Let's start with a confidence builder. Do ten reps of this: "I'm not in the railroad business, I am in transportation."

That's right -- think about it. What does it mean to you? It means that your experience and knowledge have value. They may have come from the Old Economy, but that doesn't mean you should throw them out. You just need to repackage them for the New Economy. Use your imagination -- think about it.

Now follow through; list your job experience, the roles you've played in companies, the industries you've learned, and the skills you've acquired. Make it at least a 10-item list.

Now, beside each item on your list, make three boxes. In each box, you're going to write down the name of something that relates what you know to the New Economy -- a company, a technology or a person:

• Box One

In the first box, write down the name of a new economy company that relates to your experience. If you listed "paper manufacturing," write down the name of that B2B Web venture you read about in a trade journal that's going to let printers buy paper stock in auctions.

• Box Two

Write down a new technology that's affecting the paper industry. Is it something that will change the way paper is made or used? Is it something that will cut demand for a certain kind of specialty paper? Is it something that will create a niche finishing business? Digital cameras, maybe. Or Palm Pilots. Or home delivery Web sites.

• Box Three

Write down the name of a person. This is the most important box, because careers are built on contacts. Who was that industry analyst you met at the seminar last year? The professor with the interesting research project who sat next to you on a plane?

Work that list, and watch your follow through. No blank boxes. If you need to do some research, do it. No pain, no gain. Call up the people on your list. Ask them about the technologies. Track the companies. Get more names. Do you feel your skills engage? Keep it up. Are some things on the list beginning to look better than others? Go deeper. You're on your way.

The Personal Job Trainer says: "Think yourself strong." And the stronger you think you are, the stronger you will become.