We all know that setting self-improvement goals in January is arbitrary. Nothing magical happens when the calendar flips to a new year. And yet, the idea that you can change habits or improve your circumstances is alluring. Which is why around 40% of people still set resolutions in January, even though only about 9% end up making the change they promised.

If you’re like me and like to use the new year as a time to think of ways to improve your life both inside and outside of work, here are eight ways to do it:

There’s just so much standing in our way of getting things done. If you feel your attention span has shrunk over the past few years, it probably has.

According to researchers, in 2003, our attention spans were generally around 2.5 minutes, which might sound like an eternity to you because between 2016 and 2019, it dropped to around 47 seconds.

Try this method to improve your attention span at work: Set a timer for 20 minutes, turn off all notifications, and listen to classical music. The timer will keep you from toggling over to other things. Music is a proven benefit to focus for many people, not only to drown out background sounds, but also to cover the silence that can make your mind more prone to wander.

Why classical music? Music with lyrics is more likely to distract you and have you singing along. A study conducted at Stanford University School of Medicine found that listening to classical music engages the areas of the brain involved with paying attention, making predictions, and making memories.

Imposter syndrome, the feeling that you’re a fraud and secretly aren’t qualified for your position, is so common that some

© Fast Company