Overcoming procrastination, expressed by the persistent putting off of your creative expression, can be a daunting prospect for a Christian artist. Although acutely aware of our mission, we find ourselves sometimes avoiding the very task to which we have been called – the creation of art.
Overcoming procrastination is possible, if we can identify why we put off something that thrills us like the making of art. Then, after searching the Bible for solutions for our inclination to avoid creating, we can perhaps effectively overcome.
Here are some hindrances that I've found to productivity, perhaps they'll help you too.
Overcoming Procrastination: Is it a fear of our limited capabilities?
Have you, like me, enviously watched a demonstration at an art club
event? The artist seems so self-assured and confident. Chattering away
about the process, he, or she, never misses a beat, effortlessly creating a beautiful painting in about thirty minutes. There is no errant
brushstroke, or muddy color. In fact, it appeared as if they knew
precisely what to expect at each stage of the creative act.
The creation of art is never that predictable. If it were, it would be dull and lifeless. Those of us watching the demonstration learned a little bit about the artist's process and technique. Not quite as apparent, is the fact that the entire event would not be entertaining had the artist not carefully choreographed it.
In our studios, we are aware of the agony of staring at a blank canvas bereft of ideas, of poorly thought out compositions and mistakes that mock our feeble creative ability. That very trauma is unique to the creative process. Failure to recognize it as a common problem of every artist, no matter how accomplished, is the trap that often leads to procrastination. Overcoming procrastination then becomes a matter of acknowledging the stumbling block of our limited ability, leaning upon the Lord to make much of our little - and then resolutely pressing on.
Overcoming Procrastination: Is it a dislike of the unknown?
By procrastinating, we unconsciously endeavor to avoid the pain of that
tortuous aspect of the creative process - the unknown. How will this work turn out? What on earth am I attempting to say...? Never one to be overly
concerned with an immaculate studio, I frequently find myself tidying up
around me – anything to avoid tackling a new project! How easy it is to
tinker with tools, read art books and magazines and never really begin!
Perhaps you find yourself simply putting off entering your studio or
workspace. You're not alone!
Overcoming Procrastination: Frustration is a bitter pill to swallow!
Frustration, usually the predictable result of procrastination is galling because
we are truly most fulfilled when we create. As Christian artists, being
creatively engaged is our sacred destiny. The danger of procrastination
is that it feeds on itself. The more you put off getting started, the
more intimidating the task appears and the less likely you are to
actually begin. Overcoming procrastination then becomes vital to stop
the downward spiral of inactivity. I remind myself then that even the feeblest attempt is better than the frustrating acid of not having tackled some creative activity!
Overcoming Procrastination: Some help from God's word that encouraged me.
As an artist, in Christ, you have the favor of God. Meditating on the truths presented here will slowly and surely walk you through to overcoming procrastination. Consider this beautiful prayer prayed ages ago by Moses. God, who answered that ancient prayer, is unchanging in His intent. He will honor it for you today. Even the language is specific and soothingly poetic!
”.. let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it." Ps 90:17 KJV
It thrilled me to discover the meaning of one of the Hebrew words in this psalm. The word for "work" (ma`aseh) was used frequently to describe finely crafted, skilled work, like in the descriptions of the embroidery of the tabernacle, the beauty of the sapphire under God’s feet, as witnessed by Moses and the elders, in Ex 24:10 and numerous other similar instances. In a broader form of usage, it means the labor of our hands.
Did you know that God placed a hedge around Job and his "work"- (ma`aseh)?
“ Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the "work"- (ma`aseh) of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.” Job1:10 KJV
These were words spoken by Satan about the undeniable fact of Job's prosperity.
As His beloved children, we are already recipients of God’s favor through Jesus. His intent is for the work of our hands to be established by Him. Is that not motivation enough for overcoming procrastination, even if the outcome seems cloudy when we begin?
LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works- (ma`aseh) in us. Is26:12 KJV
These great men of God would never have prayed the prayers above, if they were not certain that they were praying according to His will. Needless to say, God never denied Satan’s accusation of favoring Job, protecting him or establishing the work of his hands!
God alone can impart to us urgency, a vital trait for overcoming procrastination, resulting in the brisk and effective use of our gift. I can never be persuasive enough to tell you how brief your life is, or how you must quickly go about the business of creating art. God alone can impart that to you, as you earnestly pray.
Time, as we know it, will one day be rolled up like a garment and swallowed up in eternity.
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."Ps 90:12 KJV
When you pursue creating art as you were meant to, here are some things to remember:
Overcoming procrastination is possible, when you are confident that your heavenly Father is your partner in the use of your time, and the fruitfulness of your labor.
Don't go it alone, avail of His gracious and generous help!
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Amanda (South Africa)
Dear Sara
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I needed this for a very long time.... "...tinker with tools, read art books and magazines and never really …
Redeeming lost time
Time Management for the Artist
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