I’m writing a new book called Your Second Step. And here’s why: the hardest step of any journey is the second one. The first step is filled with excitement for something new. You’ve pumped yourself up, done your research, and put in all the time to figure out where you’re going, what you’re doing, and why. Everyone lines up to cheer you on – “quit your job”, “start your own company”, “move to a new city”, “go out with that special someone who caught your eye”, “get on that plane ride halfway around the world”. Go go go! You can do it!
Everyone loves a new beginning, but a slightly older beginning is something else entirely.
Step 2
That second step can be brutal. It means you are committing to continue to the third step and beyond. Some of the excitement and adrenalin of that first step has worn off. You put so much energy and effort into that first enormous step that you’re exhausted. The parades that promised to stick around for your marathon of change all went home just after the starting gun went off. They went back to their own busy lives, and they took their signs of encouragement, cow bells, and orange slices with them.
Maybe you’re already facing some adversity, failure, or disappointment early on. You created a beautiful plan, and its not unfolding the way you want it to. You closed the door on your old life, and the Universe is not holding up its end of the bargain by opening up that proverbial window. And it promised it would!
Guess who else is here? Our old friends – Fear, Regret, and Pride. And though you successfully turned down the volume on that little nagging voice at the back of your mind, it somehow wrestled a megaphone out of the hands of your faithful companion, Courage, and is now making up for lost time with a very loud proclamation: “You can’t do this! There’s still time. You can go back to where it’s safe and predictable if you turn around right now. Last chance. Be reasonable!”
And I want you to take the second step? Really? Yes. Yes, I do.
My new book
This summer I wrote my first full-length play (I’m heavily editing it before sending it off to festivals) and now this book, my next big writing project, is based on a conversation that an old friend of mine and I are having about how to remain true to our life’s mission. How do we tirelessly keep living an authentic life, especially when the going gets tough?
When I responded to my friend’s first email, I realized that my response was actually the outline for my new book, The Second Step. I know a thing or two about what it takes to move beyond the first step of a journey. I know all about procrastination disguised in research and wrapped up in drawn out strategic planning sessions. I learned a lot by falling flat on my face, over and over and over again, literally and figuratively. I understand the excuses that we dress up as reasons. And good heavens, do I know all about that nagging little voice of self-doubt, energy vampires, profound disappointment, 3am nightmares, serious financial worries, sacrifice, and fear so intense that it causes hives. I. Get. It. It’s a bitch. But it’s no match for my grit, stamina, and determination. And it’s no match for yours either.
Your Second Step will help you discover your own strength for the journey through a wide variety of methods – from yoga and guided meditation (you knew that was going to be in there, right?) to business know-how to inspiring stories and resources that I use all the time to healthy food recipes that will keep you fueled for success. I’ll be there with you throughout the journey – way beyond the second step.
Most of all, this is going to be fun. This is not some boring exercise manual or stale business book. I’m going to share my own story like never before. It’s about time that I get these stories out into the world so that they can help you. Stay tuned for more updates in the weeks and months ahead by going to Your Second Step website.
Christa Avampato 