Category: career

books, business, career, work

Beautiful: My New Book – Your Second Step: What to Do After Your Leap

Christa Avampato

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.

career, choices, creativity, work

Beautiful: You Find Success Where the Needs of the World Meet Your Talents

Christa Avampato
From Pintrest

“Where the needs of the world and your talents cross, there lies your vocation.” ~ Aristotle

Trying to figure out what career path to follow? Join the club. According to the latest Gallup poll, 70% of Americans hate their jobs. I used to be one of them until I struck out on my own, and though I now work a lot more hours and live with a lot less certainty, I am happier than I’ve ever been in my life because I love my work so much that it actually gives me energy. The road to happiness wasn’t easy and it’s a daily process to stay on that road, but here’s how I got started:

1.) I looked around to find out things that the world needs
2.) I wrote a list of things I love to do
3.) I wrote another list of things I’m good at
4.) And then I lined them all up

Now there are a million and one things you could do to get the answers for each of those 4 steps – and I’m happy to share my process for doing that – but those are the road signs along every successful career journey I’ve ever heard of. Get yourself to that crossroads in step 4, and you’ll know exactly which mountain you’re meant to climb. Need help? Get in touch with me – I’m glad to be your guide!

Up tomorrow: What to do after step 4.

business, career, time, work

Beautiful: Take the Time to Lean In

Christa Avampato

I lean in every single day and I’m happy about it. It all boils down to this: What am I most committed to? Where do I find joy? My answer: at the intersection of ancient wisdom (my yoga) and modern technology (my work). I love to make, write, and teach. And I really love to help other people live the lives they want. I lean in by spending the vast majority of my time doing those things and so far, so great.

I made my choices about my career and my life, and I’m thrilled with them. Sure I have tough days, but they’re all purposeful and that purpose keeps me going, especially when there are (very large) bumps in the road. I don’t tell myself, or anyone else, that I can be everywhere and do everything. I can’t do it all, and why on Earth would I ever want to? I want to spend as much time as I can doing things I love with people I love in a place that I love. For me, that’s the best way to live.

So am I leaning in? You better believe it. I’m leaning in to a life that’s everything I want it to be. And that is enough.

career, choices, work

Beautiful: Stop Being All Things to All People

Christa Avampato

d9b6e50800e7f3e34529e77d41dec097And now for another installment of necessary truths I learned this summer. After spending my entire life stretching my mind in every which direction, on any subject that struck my fancy, I’ve come to a conclusion: I spend too much energy on the fool’s errand of trying to be all things to all people in every aspect of my work. Just because I can do it all, doesn’t mean I should. To really make my mark and keep my sanity in the process, I have to specialize.

I sat down last week and thought about all of the people I admire who have really driven their fields forward, who have had a significant and lasting impact on the world. I want to be one of those people. The one and only thing they all have in common? They specialized. They got very specific about who they help and how and why. They know their value, shout it from the rooftops, and roll up their sleeves to get the work done with the people they care most about and have the most fun / success helping.

I’m not totally sure what that means for me and my work just yet but I’ve got some ideas. And I’ve still got two more weeks of California sunshine and sea breezes to whisk that answer into my consciousness. I do know that the answer is on the way. When it gets here I’ll be sure to welcome it with open arms and invite it in for tea.

career, choices, dreams

Beautiful: I Left My Corporate Job 1 Year Ago Today

Christa Avampato

It’s hard to believe that one year ago today I walked out the door of my corporate job to carve a career path of my own design. It’s been a year of consulting, writing, and teaching. Most of all, it’s been a year of incredible learning and adventure.

A million thank yous to so many of you who supported me and cheered me on during this process of discovery. I’m living my dream. My success is your success, too. Love, Christa

41ff60df5a509a66e8c9307c44d79ec1

career, choices, creativity, happiness, work

Beautiful: If Hillary Clinton is Comfortable with a TBD Future, Then So Am I

Christa Avampato

Have you read Hillary Clinton’s Twitter bio?

“Wife, mom, lawyer, women & kids advocate, FLOAR, FLOTUS, US Senator, SecState, author, dog owner, hair icon, pantsuit aficionado, glass ceiling cracker, TBD…”

The part I like best is “TBD…” This especially resonates with me because starting June 26th, my future is completely TBD. I’m heading to Santa Monica for two months to take a break and figure it out. A lot of people I know are surprised, some are shocked, and some are confused. Why go to California? And exactly what is it that I want to figure out?

I need a break from everything
I’ve been go, go, going for years. Maybe from birth. I can’t remember the last time I took a vacation just to rest and relax. I’m always going for a class / some kind of training or a service project or to visit family. I never go on vacation just to, well, go on vacation. So I’ll be doing plenty of relaxing and just having fun. Cali seems like a good place to do that.

Trying out a bi-coastal life
For a long time, I’ve had this dream of a bi-coastal life, using both New York and California as homes from which to live and work. I know New York suits me. I just don’t know if California does so I’m going to try it out. If I come back to NYC missing California, I’ll know I’m on to something.

Figure out my career
I left my corporate job exactly a year ago tomorrow. I forged this career path of my own design and it’s been an incredible learning experience. I got involved in some wonderful projects with wonderful people. I made some huge mistakes. I succeeded and failed in equal amounts, and I’m proud of all of those experiences. A life and career change of this magnitude is worthy of some dedicated reflection so that I can more clearly see the path ahead. This requires me to zone out the noise of everyday life and tune into my sense of purpose and passion. A change of scene will help me do that.

Where will this lead?
I have no idea. Honestly, I’ve put every facet of my career and life on the table for consideration. I have no definitive must-haves and must-gos. Like Hillary, the future is completely TBD for me. If someone of her stature can be okay with total reinvention, then certainly I can, too. Here’s the one thing I know for sure: I’m going to do what makes me happy.

beauty, career, creativity, design, dreams, strengths

Beautiful: Today You are Building Tomorrow’s Destiny

Christa Avampato

“Sometimes, history is destiny.” ~ Adrian Benepe, Senior Vice President and Director of City Park Development at Trust for Public Land

While Mr. Benepe is referring to the development of cities, his quote just as easily applies to our lives. What you do today matters, not only in this moment but in every moment that follows. As someone who spent a lot of time unsure of when I would actually try to create my dream career, I can promise you that time is of the essence. Waiting and talking about what you’re going to do someday gets you nowhere. Action starts the long, winding, sometimes-frustrating but always-interesting road. And that’s what we all need to do – we need to get started. Now.

Traversing this ground toward dreams is going to take time. You’re going to grind along in fits and starts. Some days it all comes so easily and some days you’ll feel like you’re chasing your own tail. This cycle of ups and downs and turnarounds happens to me all the time. Why is it so hard to move forward? And is it even worth trying?

It’s hard because we have to build the foundation, construct the frame, enclose it, smooth out the structure, and then, and only then, do we get to the fun stuff of aesthetics and decoration. But without that underlying organization, without all those incredibly unsexy but totally necessary pieces of infrastructure, the aesthetics don’t matter. Cover it up with spackle and paint all you want. It will crumble without a foundation.  

As someone who is still very much in the foundation building phase, who is mired in unsexy structural details on a daily basis, I can tell you that I still find some small victory every single day. Some days, I’m waiting on that victory until the 11th hour. But it always shows up. I think about throwing in the towel and just then some small sign from the universe breaks through and that sign gives me the strength to keep going, to keep trying, to keep waking up and giving it my best shot.

I am certain there are lots of changes on the horizon. Changes I can’t even imagine, much less plan for. Some of them are going to knock me over. They’re going to overwhelm me and cause me to question everything. Well, almost everything. No matter what happens, I’m going to get right back up. I am certain of that. And I will be stronger for it. Destiny-building is strenuous work, but there is no greater joy that pulling it together bit by beautiful bit.

career, work

Beautiful: What Billy Joel Taught Me About Reinventing My Career

Christa Avampato
Christian Oth for The New York Times
Billy Joel in Sag Harbor, N.Y., with his pug, Sabrina.

On Sunday, I read a New York Times interview with musician Billy Joel. It’s been a decade since he’s recorded an album. He’s continued to write music, as well as mentor young musicians and perform some high-profile concerts, just in a different way, for a different audience, and in a different genre than the music that made him famous. He redefined his music on his terms. He reinvented his work based upon his own evolving tastes and what makes him happy. He chose his path forward rather than feeling trapped by his past.

This interview couldn’t have arrived at a better time for me. I met up with my friend, Marita, on Friday and we had a long talk about the role of work in our lives and how our careers might take shape going forward. Wise, thoughtful, and kind friends like Marita are my rock in this process as I’ll be spending most of the summer re-thinking and re-working my career. Billy Joel’s example serves as inspiration and proof that if we allow our hearts to guide our career paths, we will find our way toward authentic work.

career, creativity, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, product, product development, yoga

Beautiful: One Fine Yogi, My Latest Creation, Is Starting Up to Support Compass Yoga

Christa Avampato

“Yoga is skill in action.” ~ Bhagavad Gita

As a way to build a sustainable revenue source for Compass Yoga, I’m creating a line of yoga-inspired fashions for you and your home as well as personal care products under the brand One Fine Yogi. Proceeds from this line of products will support Compass’s work to get more yoga to more people in more places. If you want to be notified about the launch this summer, please visit http://onefineyogi.com and add your name to the mailing list.

Right now I am in the midst of the design / test phase. The launch timeline is as follows:

Late June: I’ll launch the first t-shirt design. I’m working with Teespring, a start-up based in Rhode Island, to create an exclusive line of original short sale t-shirts. T-shirts will be ladies cut and made from super soft material. Short sale designs are limited editions sold for a limited amount of time. Designs will be available for 3 weeks starting in late June and you place your orders for that design during that window of time. Every 3 weeks a new design will launch. Once each design session closes, the t-shirts ordered during that window will be created as limited editions and sent directly to your mailing address. Pretty cool, eh?

Late Summer: To kick off the home fashion line, I’m creating a line of limited edition yoga-inspired wall decals and prints.

Fall: We encounter a lot of stressors in our lives so we could all use a little more pampering, right? One Fine Yogi has you covered with a line of heavenly scented bath salts and sugar scrubs to ease tension, calm the mind, and lift your spirits. Our therapeutic blends of herbs, spices, and oils infuse the highest quality salts and sugars to help bring out your glow, inside and out. Also, if you have a specific fragrance or benefit you’d like to receive from our bath salts and sugar scrubs, we can create a custom blend just for you.

I’m tremendously excited to create and share my first line of original products and to build out this brand with a mission that takes its inspiration from a practice that has brought me so many gifts. I hope you’ll share in the journey!

career, dreams, time

Beautiful: My Summer by the Sea in Santa Monica, California

Christa Avampato

I found a way to get my summer by the sea. In January, I wrote a blog post about my wish to spend the summer in California. Less than a month later, I received a comment on that post asking me if I’d be interested in a free place to stay in Santa Monica. I thought a friend of mine must have written it and was pulling my leg. It was no joke. It’s a done deal – I’ll be spending 8 weeks in Santa Monica, California this summer. The moral of the story – if you have a wish, shout about it. Someone will hear you and help you.

“What are you going to do out there?” many people have asked. My number one priority will be to take a break and re-calibrate my life and career goals. I started my own consulting practice almost a year ago and I didn’t take any time off between leaving my corporate job and starting my business. I’m now that kind of tired that sleep can’t fix. I need to get away, clear my head, and rest. I also need to go hiking in the canyons, do a lot of yoga and meditation, walk barefoot on the beach with Phin bounding in and out of the surf, and cook ridiculously delicious fresh food thanks to Santa Monica’s gorgeous farmers market. I’ve also got some side trips planned as well – Hawaii, I’m on my way!

And then….I’ve got a lot of plans that are still in their infancy. I’m sorting through all of the options, but here’s what is on the table:

1.) Continue my work learning how to code via a number of free online options like Codecademy so that I can better appreciate the role of programmers in technology-driven businesses. Having worked on the business side of tech for a number of years, I believe that every business person has to have a deep understanding of technology if she wants to be competitive in the marketplace. Eventually, knowing how to code will be as common place as knowing word processing. I want to be well-prepared when that day arrives, and it’s not too far off.

2.) Connect with the startup and design communities in LA via the General Assembly office that is conveniently located down the street from the condo where I’ll be staying. They also offer great classes and events where I hope to meet a lot of good people.

3.) Work on writing projects that have been on the back burner for too long.

4.) Cultivate partnerships, products, and programs for Compass Yoga.

5.) Work on some new business ideas that focus on products I’ll produce rather than services like consulting.

6.) Decide if I will continue down the consulting path in the second year of my business, pivot and move to a product model, or return to working full-time or part-time in a leadership role at a small company with a solid mission to make the world a better place.

In the next 7 and a half weeks, I’ve got some decisions to make and plans to put in place. One thing’s for certain – this is going to be a summer to remember!