Whenever we’re working on something big, something bigger than we think we’re capable of doing, we have to make trade-offs. We give up some time, some flexibility, some funds, maybe even some fun activities that we would otherwise do.
In times like this, I find it’s most helpful to think of sacrifice as investment rather than loss. It’s really a transfer of energy. We give up a bit now to work toward achieving something tomorrow that will help us fulfill our purpose. Investment causes us to re-prioritize, and that re-prioritization implies change. Change is never easy, even when it’s welcomed. There is always a period of adjustment.
Be kind to yourself in these times of transition. Understand that what you give up today pales in comparison to the joy and satisfaction of realizing a dream. Recognize that we always have a choice, and in making these investments we are living up to the responsibility of carving our own path.
Let it unfold. Give it the time it needs to show its true and full value. There will be plenty of time for reflecting on and judging the choice. Now, commit to making the most of it and giving it the very best shot at success.
Published by Christa Avampato
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
Website & Production Hub: doubleornothingmedia.com and christaavampato.com
Newsletter: Togetherhood on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletters/togetherhood-7273771832221089792/
Instagram & Threads: @christarosenyc
Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
View all posts by Christa Avampato
Whenever we’re working on something big, something bigger than we think we’re capable of doing, we have to make trade-offs. We give up some time, some flexibility, some funds, maybe even some fun activities that we would otherwise do.
Great quote. Great post – one of my favorite people expanding on a thought by one of my favorite teachers. Your advice, “Be kind to yourself in these times of transition. Understand that what you give up today pales in comparison to the joy and satisfaction of realizing a dream.” is timely for me today. Thank you!!!
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Hi Lon! I am so glad this post was helpful. It was helpful for me too – I need my own reminders.
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