1. You’re underestimating how long things take. 

Girl, (or boy) do you *really* think you can do two loads of washing, write five blog posts and arrange your birthday party all in one afternoon?

Make time to sit down and do things properly – trust me it will be less stressful.

2. You’re not passionate about what you’re doing.

We can’t always be thrilled about every single task we do – but you can make some tasks more bearable by setting rewards for finishing them/delegating the task/turning it into a challenge or game.

3. You’re leaving the tasks you hate the most until the end of the day. 

And then it spills over into tomorrow, and then the next day, and then the next day…

Eating your frogs in the morning is a way successful people always say they get things done – by doing those difficult tasks (e.g. working out/writing a covering letter/getting waxed) first thing.

4. You’re not asking for help. 

No man (or woman) is an island. Know a friend who is an aspiring event planner? Get her to plan your next get together.

Is your bestie an amazing chef? Leave dinner to her. Does your sister keep offering to find you a great summer holiday for half the price you usually pay? Let her.

5. You’re getting distracted. 

Sometimes you really need to switch everything off and just do one task at a time – multitasking is largely a myth – you just end up with five tasks done badly.

6. You’re tired. 

Sleep, my dear friends! Sleep. Sleep and eating properly are just so great – oh, and switch your phone off while you’re sleeping for extra mental bliss.

7. You’re not saying ‘no’ enough. 

Being too stressed to function is just not cute. Instead of having a Year of Yes – how about a week of no?

No to that friend of a friend’s birthday party (send flowers instead), no to that extra project you’re not getting paid for (your time costs money), and no to that extra few hours you’re spending at work to look good (you’re not getting any more work done than anyone else.)

What are your top productivity hacks? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter @PhoebeParke.

For even more motivation, take a look at this Pinterest board full of inspirational quotes.