How To Stop Being Distracted and Stay Focused as a Christian Artist
Your creative call can’t wait. Here’s how to stay focused in your art business…
The truth is, the moment you go all-in with what God has called you to do, resistance shows up.
Not always loud. Not always obvious. But sneaky. Distracting. Delaying. Discouraging.
Ask me how I know.
When Distraction Hits Where It Hurts Most
Of course, the enemy goes straight for the tender places – your marriage, your family, your health, your finances.
He thrives in the shadows and whispers, “You should probably stop everything and fix this first.”
The other day, my husband was acting a certain way, and fear crept in fast. I suddenly didn’t feel secure. My mind jumped straight to the future, worst-case scenarios fully loaded.
My very first thought?
I need to stop everything I’m doing and worry about my relationship.
And immediately, not later, not after spiraling, God interrupted that thought.
Nothing changes My plan, Nancy.
Nothing changes My provision.
Nothing changes My protection.
Nothing changes My promises.
I say immediately because I’m very familiar with the alternative. The pity party. The shutdown. The dark road of discouragement that feels oddly comfortable because I’ve walked it before.
But this time, I recognized it for what it was: a distraction. A ploy. An obstacle meant to delay me.
My calling as an artist and entrepreneur is irrevocable — and so is yours.
When the Enemy Tries to Steal Your Identity (A Story From My Book)
In my book Getting Ready, I share a dream that makes this crystal clear.
I dreamed my neon yellow purse was stolen from a table at a waterfront restaurant and replaced with a fake Louis Vuitton bag. Confused, I did what any woman does… I Googled it.
A purse represents identity. It carries your identity documentation, your money, and your driver’s license.
Later that same week, I dreamed it happened again. This time at a thrift store event I was volunteering at.
Another search. Another confirmation.
The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. — John 10:10
God was showing me that the enemy was working behind the scenes to rob me of my purpose, identity, and destiny, long before I consciously realized it.
Fast forward two and a half years…
I’m worrying about my health. My husband. My family. Our finances. I’m battling self-doubt, anxiety, discouragement, and the nagging thought that maybe I’m running out of time.
The stress showed up physically too: cortisol belly fat, skin issues, back pain, bloating, hair loss. I barely recognized myself.
And in my journaling, God gently said:
“Put your crown back on, daughter. You were not designed to dress down and disappear. You were created to wear your crown and Dress Out Loud.”
This is the book I wish I had when I shut everything down.
Is Distraction Slowing Down Your Creative Calling?
Let me ask you, friend: Where are you right now in your belief about your creative calling?
Because we do have a real enemy, and he would love nothing more than to mess with your self-worth, swipe your identity, and stomp all over your dreams while you’re busy trying to “fix everything first.”
What’s your response time to distraction?
Do you pause your calling because of something someone said?
A look? A tone? A circumstance you didn’t see coming?
Here’s the hard truth, said with love:
The fastest way to slow down your God-given momentum is to let other people’s problems, opinions, or actions derail you.
How I Kept Creating Instead of Shutting Down
Here’s what I did differently this time — and what I want for you too.
Instead of panicking…
Instead of mentally quitting…
Instead of searching for a “real job” or emotionally eating my way through fear (and a bag of chips)…
I did three simple things.
Three Ways to Keep Distraction from Stopping You
1. I recognized it for what it was.
Not a crisis — a distraction.
2. I reminded myself of what hasn’t changed.
God’s plan. God’s promises. God’s provision.
3. I kept moving forward anyway.
I kept creating. I kept showing up. I kept putting one faithful foot in front of the other.
That’s it. No drama. No spiraling. Just obedience.
Daily Scripture for Creative Artists
Here’s the verse for today’s creative journaling: (Stay Salty!)
Matthew 5:13 (NIV)
“You are the salt of the earth.”
Salt preserves. Salt adds flavor. Salt stands out.
And artists in the Kingdom were never meant to blend in, play small, or disappear when things get hard.
When discouragement, delay, or distraction tries to dull your creativity, this verse is your reminder: don’t lose your flavor. Your creativity matters. Your voice matters. Your presence brings light, beauty, and impact wherever God has placed you.
As you journal this Scripture, ask yourself:
Where have I been tempted to tone it down, shrink back, or lose my boldness? And what would it look like to stay salty anyway?
How to Begin…
PRAY first
PRINT the verse
Create a PRETTY PAGE (decorate the page: doodle, color, collage, tape, stamp, paint, glitter, glue…)
PROCLAIM! (write a truth statement or prayer)
POST it! Share your journal page on social media. Tag me on Instagram @thelipstickboss and use hashtag #dressoutlouddaily (If I share it, you’ll receive a special treat from me!)
Behind the Scenes: What I’m Working on Now
Right now, I’m creating a snowman ornament from a thrifted salt shaker for my thrifting partner-in-crime. We’re doing Merry Thriftmas & a Crafty New Year gift exchange.
Have you seen these super cute salt shaker tassels? I’m obsessed!
I rescued the salt shaker from the thrift store. She was alone. I gave her purpose… Read about her “glow up” below.
DIY: Salt Shaker Tassel Ornament
This easy DIY turns a simple salt or pepper shaker into a charming tassel ornament using fabric scraps and ribbon. It’s perfect for Christmas trees, gift toppers, or adding a little handmade charm to your décor.
Materials
- Salt or pepper shaker
- Assorted fabric strips, lace, ribbon, or yarn
- Strong thread or twine
- Lightweight wire (floral wire works well)
- Beads (optional)
- Needle-nose pliers
- Scissors
Instructions
- Tear or cut fabric, lace, ribbon, and yarn into 10–12″ strips. Mix textures for interest.
- Gather all strips together, align the centers, and tie tightly in the middle with thread or twine.
- Wrap wire around the tied center, leaving long wire ends. Remove the stopper. Feed the wire ends up through the bottom hole of the shaker and out the top holes.
- Use pliers to twist the wire and form a loop at the top. Add beads before closing the loop if desired.
- Attach a jump ring and ribbon for hanging.
- Trim the tassel to your preferred length and fluff.
This little salt shaker isn’t just a DIY project. It’s a reminder to stay salty, stay visible, and keep showing up creatively — even when distraction tries to steal the spotlight.
Today’s Takeaway: The Enemy is Really Real
The closer you get to the Promised Land, the more arrows will be aimed at you.
Distraction. Delay. Discouragement.
Don’t be surprised. It’s a sign you’re headed in the right direction.
Everything God has called you to do requires Him.
That means daily connection through prayer and journaling.
And it means a self-care routine that supports your mental health, stress levels, and creativity.
That’s exactly why I created the Beauty Blueprint — a free resource that walks you through 5 simple self-care practices for supernatural success in your life and business.
(And yes… Just like with Queen Esther, I still love how God uses beauty to transform His people.)
Keep the Inspiration Going
If this resonated with you, you’ll love this next post: What to Do When You Feel Like Giving Up as a Christian Artist. It’s honest and hopeful.
Friend, don’t let distraction talk you out of obedience. Put your crown back on and show up as the creative artist entrepreneur that God called you to be.
Resources for Creative Artist Entrepreneurs
Hey Creative Friend! Are you ready to stop worrying about getting a “real” job and step into the creative business God gave you? I wrote this book for you…
(A Self-Published Guide for Artists, Creatives & Kingdom-Minded Entrepreneurs)
If you’ve ever wondered how to blend your creative calling with your God-given purpose, Getting Ready is for you. Think of it as part faith art journal, part how-to guide, and totally made for creative women like us — artists, makers, and creatives who love Jesus and feel called to something more.
Inspired by Queen Esther’s season of preparation, this book takes you on a heart-level journey — a mix of spiritual growth and practical action — helping you align your creativity, business, and identity with who God says you are.
Thank you for visiting my blog where I love blending Beauty & Creativity for Self-Care and Mental Health. Before you go, if you haven’t already, grab the free resource below and Make it a beautiful day! Nancy
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