Being successful is all about having the right mindset (and the drive, and knowledge).

But how do you acquire that? Does it just happen?

Obviously not, otherwise we wouldn't be writing this and you wouldn't be reading it.

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There are many ways to improve ourselves career-wise. For example, BenefitsPRO's editor in chief, Paul Wilson, says, "In my years covering the industry, I've learned a lot from reading reports and analyzing studies, but my greatest source of knowledge has been conversations with industry experts, whether in the form of a desperate call or email, or an informal chat over beers at an industry conference.

Although he's not a broker, Wilson says, "I know first-hand how daunting and intimidating it can be to join this industry and try to make your way. I also know the best antidote is a friendly smile on a familiar face."

But sometimes all we need is a little dose of inspiration or encouragement. And luckily you can also find that strength for the journey from people outside the benefits industry. 

For brokers looking to push themselves beyond their limits in the coming year, here's some advice from 10 people who, though not benefits brokers, undeniably know a thing or two about success:

 

To get better at anything, it helps to question yourself and what you're doing. (Photo: Shutterstock)

1. "I think that's the single best piece of advice: Constantly think about how you could be doing things better and questioning yourself." —Elon Musk, Tesla Motors

You get through the storm quicker by running toward it. (Photo: Shutterstock)

2. "Be the buffalo. Wilma Mankiller, the first female principal chief of the Cherokee nation, once told me how the cow runs away from the storm while the buffalo charges directly toward it—and gets through it quicker." —Donna Brazile, political strategist

Focus on doing the main thing, the most important thing.(Photo: Shutterstock)

3. "Ignore the politics, focus on doing a good job.The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. If you do a good job, that will all take care of itself." —Bobby Jindal, politician

Give up? or persist? (Photo: Getty)

4. "When it's tough, will you give up, or will you be relentless?" —Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com

Surround yourself with good people. (Photo: Getty)

5. "Surround yourself with people who challenge you, teach you, and push you to be your best self." —Bill Gates

Listen carefully to prospects. (Photo: Shutterstock)

6. "When you're listening to any prospect, do so as if you're hard of hearing. Visualize them, and listen as if you need to read their lips." —Art Sobczak, sales expert and author

 

Practice discovery-based selling. (Photo: Getty)

7. "Is it better for your prospects to be told how great you are or discover how great you are? Start practicing discovery-based selling." —Charles Bernard, Criteria for Success

It's not just what you know but your insatiable need to learn more. (Photo: Shutterstock)

8. "My experience has shown me that the people who are exceptionally good in business aren't so because of what they know but because of their insatiable need to know more." —Michael Gerber, author

Try new things, take prudent risks. (Photo: AP)

9. "Try new things. Take prudent risks. Learn from people willing to share from their experiences. The person who is curious and nimble will succeed over time." —Linda LeMura, LeMoyne College President

Move fast and break things. (Photo: Shutterstock)

10. "Move fast and break things. Unless you are breaking stuff, you are not moving fast enough." —Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook

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