1. Be ethical. There is simply no shortcut for this idea, and it's one of those areas where giving 99 percent just isn't good enough. Being ethical is its own reward, and it's good for business, too.

2. Pay attention to customers. They are the single most important part of our business; without our customers we don't exist.

3. Be accountable. When things go wrong, own it and fix it quickly. 

4. Enjoy what you're doing, or make a change. Life's too short for anything else.

5. Listen first. We cannot possibly help our customers if we haven't listened to them first.

6. Analyze risk. After your analysis, make the best decision you can. If you make a bad decision (and you will) see #3.

7. Communicate, communicate, communicate. This is at the very heart of what we do.

8. You're part of a team. Always remember that teams win and lose together.

9. Take rejection personally. Rejection is part of the gig; be resilient and use it for motivation.

Most, if not all, of these ideas are likely to be central principles of many people in our industry. Still, as important as they are, it can be a challenge to keep them front and center throughout the year. Each of us is bombarded with a multitude of distractions that compete for our attention, so periodic reflection is important.

Of course, none of these concepts are original, and I have been fortunate to have had exceptional mentors and associates who have generously shared their lessons learned. Finally, this is not a definitive list of what constitutes success; instead, I consider it a foundation upon which success can be built in the New Year, and beyond.

Marty Traynor is Vice President Voluntary Benefits at Mutual of Omaha.  He may be reached at [email protected]