Tabula rasa

Each January, we take a collective breath and reset ourselves for another year. As we throw away old calendars and box up holiday decorations, we often experience a feeling of renewal. A new year offers a blank slate; a fresh start.

And considering the way 2016 went, I think most of us welcome the change. Social media has been flooded with posts and articles debating where 2016 ranks among the worst years of all time. Why? Political acrimony fueled by the election and Brexit, the deaths of beloved celebrities including David Bowie, Prince, Harper Lee and Muhammad Ali, ongoing mass shootings, record-high global temperatures and much more. If you have the stomach for it, type #worstyearever on Twitter and you'll find plenty of evidence for why 2016 will go down as a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year.

That said, it's always important to reflect on the past before overreacting. Consider 1348, when the Black Death wiped out at least one-third of Europe's population. Or 1919, when an influenza epidemic killed half a million Americans and race riots raged in cities across the U.S. And let's not forget 1943, when the atrocities of the Holocaust neared their peak and famine impacted much of the globe. Yes, perspective is important.

Still, we can all agree that 2016 was pretty rough. In fact, our industry has been going through a pretty bumpy stretch for quite some time now. Undoubtedly, 2017 will continue to include a fair share of uncertainty and confusion for the benefits world. I'll be the first to admit it's easy to get discouraged while slogging through a steady stream of regulatory updates or unending reports on rising health care costs; but I always feel better after I talk to benefits pros, and this issue is full of great insights from many of you.

This month, we're excited to launch “The Face of Change,” a new column in partnership with NAHU's Vanguard Council. This series will shine a spotlight on industry professionals who are making a difference and driving the industry forward through innovative strategies and technology. This month, I interviewed Jonathan Reaves (page 34), a partner at the Dallas-based Reaves Agency. Be sure to read about exciting developments he sees in the industry and the ways his company is attracting young talent. If you know someone who should be highlighted in the coming months, email me at pwilson@benefitspro.com.

Looking for more inspiration heading into 2017? Check out the wish lists and resolutions from industry professionals on pages 26 and 38, as well as our annual list of100 sales and marketing tips (on page 8.)

I think you'll find plenty to feel good about.