Getting to the root of an issue is so much harder than we’re willing to admit. We throw that phrase around as if getting to the heart of the matter is child’s play. It’s a difficult, trying task. Treating symptoms of a situation is the easy way out, in the same way that doing what’s modeled instead of what we know to be right is an easier path. We can see and feel symptoms. They’re real, tangible, and can be masked. Treating a root cause of a challenge is a longer term bet, and yet it is the very best use of our time and energy. It’s a slower but more sustainable process. It requires us to take the long view.
If we are truly interested in healing, in getting to the heart of a matter and building from there, how do we bring that about? How do we maintain our belief in the long view when short-term gain is the easier road?
3 ways to focus on the long-term: Meditate on reputation – Buddha said, “What you are is what you have been. What you’ll be is what you do now.” The reputation you have now is largely based upon what you’ve already done. This means that the actions you take today, tomorrow, and beyond will be the basis for your reputation in the future. What do you want to be known for? To make that happen in the future, you can start to take action against that today.
Chart your progress – what gets measured gets done. When you begin a new project or make the decision to take your life in a new direction, track your wins both big and small. This will also help you identify patterns of success that you can repeat.
Look to the stories of others for inspiration – the stories that stick with us are those of perseverance, those that describe how someone overcomes a great obstacle that seemed impossible. Nelson Mandela said that, “Everything seems impossible until it’s done.” Take heart that everyone whoever began any kind of healing, any kind of challenge faced odds that seemed insurmountable. You are in good company.
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
View all posts by Christa Avampato
4 thoughts on “Beginning: Where to Begin Healing and 3 Ways to Focus on the Long-term”
Simple and beautiful advice! I am trying to be kind to myself and not “beat myself up” for past behaviors and love what I am doing for my mind and spirit now – which will lead to a better future for me.
Hi Jennifer – yes yes yes – being kind to ourselves is the surest way to make sure we are kind to others. no one else deserves your own love more than you!
Archan, it’s so true. taking the long-view has been my MO for so long. It had to be in order for me to overcome so many obstacles. I just had to keep going and keep believing that I could absolutely build a better life for myself. You’ve seen the same kind of success in your meditation – look at you now. A true expert!
Christa Avampato 
Simple and beautiful advice! I am trying to be kind to myself and not “beat myself up” for past behaviors and love what I am doing for my mind and spirit now – which will lead to a better future for me.
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Hi Jennifer – yes yes yes – being kind to ourselves is the surest way to make sure we are kind to others. no one else deserves your own love more than you!
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Christa,
This post, in particular, reminded me about the story of your life.
Ever since you were a little girl, you have had so many challenges.
You have overcome so many obstacles, but guess what? Look at where you are now–a much better place. Your readers take heart from your poetic journey.
Your life is a great learning experience for all of us who have been reading your blog posts.
In my case, I always try to remember the baby steps. I was a lousy student of meditation, but my daily ups and downs have yielded great benefits.
Even without natural talent you can go far if you persist in your efforts. In my case, I have found this to be true.
And if I can do it, hey, I think anybody can do it. I appreciate your words of wisdom and thanks for your light. Cheerio.
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Archan, it’s so true. taking the long-view has been my MO for so long. It had to be in order for me to overcome so many obstacles. I just had to keep going and keep believing that I could absolutely build a better life for myself. You’ve seen the same kind of success in your meditation – look at you now. A true expert!
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