Even with valid pursuits, I (privately) term them as 'distracting', during an active phase. That phase could be several years, and distracting things maybe 30% of any total interest 'pallet'.
For example, I've copied electric guitar effects pedal schematics, and conceptualized some clever-ish mods, but then suppressed any sense of proceeding. That's almost like a parent supervising in that I know ahead of time can't do it, in times when doing more critical engineering.
Not that hard to compare, as if you had a day job, the requirement is simple; You've got to make it to work on time. Also might help to know, if this is question about free lance self schedule, vs. an engineering group job.
For example, if I'm 'dedicated' to designing and patenting a new hair dryer design then some playing around with guitar pedal is, deliberately kept limited.
It's an acquired skill, as, infact: (lol), I'm probably pretty good at avoiding work !
But seriously any boss or project manager would (should) be pleased at (my) ability to stay on one course of action. Otherwise maybe flakey. But of course that singular focus can get off balance, too.
Like, wearing a wedding dress for a couple weeks, after getting jilted at the wedding. Besides, I'm a male, so...
But it is a useful and aquired skill, to be able to resist those (interesting) 'side' distractions. But also, like in bathing, some things a person can't delay. I guess you'd call them 'essentials' that shouldn't be ignored.
You can do similar management of the cash flow priorities, as the above described time management.