Read on to discover the secrets of a master time-waster…

I would love to give advice about being productive and reaching your maximum potential, but I also want to continue looking in the mirror without thinking hypocrite. I’m a full time mother, part-time accountant, and on top of that I’m trying to compose two separate fantasy novel series and a YouTube series. I’m always looking for ways to put what little time I have to best use. I’ve tried several productivity methods and apps (can anyone here say pomodoro?), and none have helped. I have, however, discovered a plethora of ways to totally eliminate any chance of making my time count. 

If you, like me, are trying to juggle your lofty creative dreams with your job and family, and you’re looking for ways to seriously hinder your chances of success, check out these top time sucks and productivity killers that I’ve not only discovered but also fallen victim to:

Spend too much time on social media. There’s nothing quite like that numb feeling you get while mindlessly scrolling down posts looking for a funny superhero meme or taking that 243rd online Hogwarts sorting test to really keep yourself from finishing that novel… (I’m Gryfindor, btw…)

Master Angry Birds, Candy Crush, or (pick your smartphone game). Oh the thrill of knocking aside those pigs or bursting that piece of chocolate! Or the tension of repeating a level over and over (and over) because you are soooooo close to winning it. (I’ve since deleted all games except for Sudoku off my phone, btw. Of course, now I’m paying more attention to Apple News and Facebook…)

Religiously follow or binge watch a television show/s. Netflix murders future projects. Nuff said.

Become an ardent sports fan. The more times a week your team plays, the better for your productivity woahs. (Here’s looking at you Major League Baseball.) While you’re cheering for your Yankees or your Cowboys, be sure to join at least one fantasy league and spend half of your free time researching stats.

Set impossible goals. Go big or go home. If you can’t meet your goals, let the fear of failure paralyze you instead of readjusting your goals to work with your schedule. 

Don’t work your plan. If you have set reasonable goals, be sure to spend hours planning out each minute detail. Then, drop the whole thing in a week because… (See any of the above.)

Overschedule yourself. Say yes to everything. Let those things interfere with your set aside work (writing, art, etc.) time. It all sounds so fun, and you will broaden and stretch yourself. Like butter. Over too much bread. (Geek points to those of you who caught that reference.)

Have a baby… Nuff said.

How about you? What totally interferes with your productivity?