Moving Forward with Purpose: A Lesson in Entrepreneurship

A while back, I heard an interesting saying from a friend on social media: "Ducks are only in a row when they are moving." This really resonated with me because we were right in the midst of getting our business, ValorWell, up and running. And honestly, at that point, we had no idea what we were doing. We just knew that we had a vision and a purpose, and we were going to make it happen come hell or high water.

In mid-2023, my wife and I were faced with some pretty big choices. Our children needed counseling, but we couldn't find anyone who would accept our CHAMPVA insurance. I checked with so many companies, and I couldn't seem to find anyone that took it. For most people who have CHAMPVA, they fully understand those struggles. We figured out how to get registered, and I checked with several other clinics and therapists, from local to national, asking them if they would allow me to get them set up. No one had any interest. So we decided to do it ourselves. Thus, ValorWell was born.

What was interesting is that we truly had no idea what we were doing, and we weren't prepared for what this would turn into and the amount of work it would take. To be honest, I'm still not sure. But looking back, I find myself reflecting on the change in mindset compared to how I used to be and how so many people are. We always seem to be waiting for the right time, waiting for things to be set up just right in our lives, waiting "to have all our ducks in a row" before we take any type of action. And I have definitely been there.

But the sad reality is that when we sit back and wait, through inaction, things are never going to just line up. When the lead duck is sitting around, the rest of the ducks scatter and do whatever they please. When the lead duck starts walking and taking off in any direction, the rest of them immediately come line up behind and follow.

This realization was a game-changer for us. We understood that perfection wasn't a prerequisite for progress. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment or for everything to fall into place, we decided to take that first step. We moved forward with our vision for ValorWell, even when the path wasn't clear and the future was uncertain.

As we progressed, we found that each step forward brought clarity. Problems that seemed insurmountable at the beginning began to solve themselves as we tackled them one by one. We learned, adapted, and grew along the way. Our ducks, metaphorically speaking, began to align not because we waited for the perfect moment, but because we started moving.

This journey has taught us that action breeds alignment. When you start moving towards your goals, you create momentum. This momentum not only propels you forward but also attracts the right resources, people, and opportunities. It's as if the universe responds to your commitment and determination.

For anyone out there waiting for the perfect moment to start their business, pursue their passion, or make a change in their life, I want to encourage you: don't wait. Take that first step. Your ducks don't need to be perfectly aligned to start; they'll fall in line as you move forward.

Remember, it's okay not to have all the answers. It's okay to feel unprepared. What matters is your willingness to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward. Our journey with ValorWell has been filled with challenges, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. We've been able to help families access the care they need, and we've grown in ways we never imagined.

So, to all the dreamers, the visionaries, and the change-makers out there: start walking. Your ducks will follow. And who knows? You might just find yourself leading a whole flock towards something amazing.