In Pixar’s classic film Finding Nemo, Marlin (Nemo’s dad), reaches his breaking point.

He’s ready to call off the search for his son and give up.

Dory, the fish who’s become his search partner, doesn’t want to hear it.

I love the advice Dory gives to Marlin in the Pixar classic Finding Nemo. Do you remember what she says to him?

Yup, you got it.

Just keep swimming (you probably re-read the title of this post).

Stay after it. Don’t quit. Keep going.

I have been energized and encouraged by the same basic thought.

When I feel like quitting, not contributing, or throwing in the towel; I need to:

Just keep posting.

Keep writing.

Keep learning.

Keep tinkering.

Keep experimenting.

Keep preaching.

I have tried to blog and do the website thing before.

It was alright, I didn’t give up or anything, I just wouldn’t post unless the entry was perfect.

That led to long dry spells in which I produced… well nothing.

Seth Godin, a business author, entrepreneur and highly sought after speaker, describes the, “Just keep swimming” concept at a recent NYC event:

Real leaders ship.

They deliver. They get the job done. They see an idea through to completion.

If you think of yourself as an creative/innovative person, please pay attention.

“You don’t need to be more creative…” Godin says in the video.

He makes the case that we don’t suffer from a shortage of ideas today. What we’re missing is a lack of commitment to seeing those ideas through to completion, what Seth calls “shipping.”

It should be noted that Steve Jobs has been attributed with the quote, “Real artists ship.”

What is Seth saying?

Accomplishing something.

Anything.

Get stuff done.

Follow-through.

It’s not enough to have an idea.

Anyone can do that.

Leaders ship.

I’ve been applying this recently and it’s been a great personal challenge.

Are all my sermons perfect?

Haha, no.

All my posts flawless?

No.

However, my new self-imposed rule is to ship.

Click post.

Keep doing my best.

Even Jesus has something to say about this as well:

“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11.9)