Get in The Boat

By Dayna Del Val, Founding Member of The Prosper Network

I went back to school when my son Quinn was 20 months old.

The night before, I sat in a blind panic at my mom and stepdad’s house. Quinn was too little for daycare. I knew I didn’t want to teach, yet I was about to start an education licensure program. But as a young, single mom with a theatre degree, my options felt limited.

My stepdad’s advice mattered because, while we often reached the same conclusions, we took different paths to get there. I sat down and blurted out, “I’m deferring for a year. I can’t do it.”

He paused, then said

“D, you’ve got to get in a boat. Right now, you’re standing on the shoreline watching them go by. Just get in one. Once you’re on the water, you can move from boat to boat. But as long as you’re on the shore, you can’t go anywhere.”

I spent a restless night. 

The next morning, I took Quinn to the home daycare where he’d be spending time with a fabulous woman and a passel of happy preschoolers. I didn’t even get his sweatshirt unzipped before he was off to the playroom. Quinn joyfully entered his first boat without a second thought.

I got in my car and drove to campus, far less exuberant about the boat I was entering but trusting that I did, indeed, need to get off the shoreline.

My stepdad was right. I got in that first boat and started moving. That boat led me to other boats that included grad school, adjunct University teaching, magazine editing, freelance writing, acting, running a nonprofit and now, my own entrepreneurial venture. Each boat prepared me for the next.

So, where are you? Are you in a boat or still standing on the shoreline?

Because your location matters.

Are you moving forward or standing still? Struggling in your current boat? Jump to the next one. And if that one doesn’t fit, jump again. And again. Each boat brings experience, lessons, wins and losses—helping you move up the river.

My 24-year-old self wouldn’t believe all the incredible, mundane, heartbreaking and joyful boats I’ve navigated. Back then, I feared the water.

But it turned out that first boat would support me—and the water was just fine.

And it will be for you, too.

Get in a boat.

Not sure what boat to get in right now? Let me invite you aboard the Prosper Network boat. With a mission of generosity, reciprocity and expansion, this platform is a powerful group of women entrepreneurs committed to being part of the rising tide that lifts all boats. You won’t believe the support, the networking and the joy you will find, and I can’t wait to see you on the lido deck.

Dayna

Del Val is a visibility coach that helps leaders unlock their curiosity, clarity, and confidence so they can create lasting impact in their industry and in the world.

Connect with Dayna at www.daynadelval.com.