Despite the cynical age in which we live, it's hard not to feel a surge of hope and optimism each time we turn the calendar page and start another year. These feelings are exemplified in the annual tradition of New Year's resolutions. Sure, we sometimes (OK, usually) fall short of our lofty aims within a few months (OK, weeks), but the very idea of setting goals in order to better oneself speaks to the resiliency and confidence that, despite all our faults, make humans such a formidable force.

Within the benefits world, this mindset is on display every day. Need evidence? Check out this month's “Action Reaction,” where some leading benefits professionals lay out their hopes and plans for 2018. Maybe you'll find something to add to your own list. Here are excerpts from a few of my favorite resolutions:

“Continue to debunk the myth that health care costs cannot be controlled by showing current and future clients how this can be done.” —Brandon Scarborough

“Spend more time doing what I enjoy, resulting in improved relationships both, professionally and personally. Write more.” —Tanya Boyd

“To focus on empathy for the people and situations around me first, and to represent myself and what I stand for authentically.” —Meg Murphy

“Remove barriers that stem from complexity and give employers more clarity and confidence in their decision making.” —Reed Smith

“Be more methodical in how we reach employers and more focused and concise in how we deliver our value proposition so employers realize that their success is our success.” —Felipe Barganier

Let's face it, the benefits industry can be tough, but hopefully this issue will provide you with plenty of reasons for optimism as you head into 2018. In “Health Care Reform Wish List” (page 31), Terry Stone of Oliver Wyman says “Transforming health care is a long road, but the efforts that we make each day will make it a little better.”

Or, as Kareim Cade puts it in this month's “Face of Change,” “Although it seems very small when we're doing it, a little bit of success yesterday, a little bit today and a little more tomorrow and over the course of years, we'll be able to look back and say we really made an impact on this industry.”

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