By Jonathan Winters
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
“If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it.” This powerful line, often credited to the comic and actor Jonathan Winters, is more than just a clever turn of phrase — it’s a motivational quote about action. It suggests something deeply energising: that waiting around rarely brings results, and sometimes we have to take matters into our own hands. The quote speaks to the drive to create opportunity, to persist in the face of delay or disappointment, and to meet life with intention.
What Does This Quote Mean?
At first glance, “If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it” paints a visual image — a person standing at the shore, waiting for something long-anticipated to arrive. The “ship” here symbolises a goal, a dream, a reward, or even a change you’ve been hoping for. But instead of staying still and waiting passively, the advice is to go — to swim out and meet it.
In essence, it’s a call to stop waiting and start moving. The quote challenges the assumption that good things will simply come to those who wait. Instead, it reframes success as something you must actively pursue, even if it feels far away. The water represents uncertainty and effort — but it’s not presented as a barrier. It’s the route.
This quote also encourages resilience. If things aren’t going as planned, don’t just give up or assume your time will never come. Instead, adapt. Take initiative. Trust in your ability to close the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
If you enjoy meaningful reflections like this Jonathan Winters quote about action, you might also like our guide to “Push on, friend. You’re just one exciting step from the banquet hall of life.“
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
Here are five practical ways this quote can influence your mindset and actions:
Stop Waiting for the Perfect Moment
There’s always another reason to delay — fear, doubt, logistics. But the perfect conditions rarely arrive. Whether you’re thinking of starting a project, having a difficult conversation, or making a life change, act now with what you have. Swimming out means moving, even if you feel unready.
Take the First Step Toward a Goal
Break big ambitions into smaller actions. Want a new job? Don’t wait for a recruiter to call. Update your CV, message a contact, apply proactively. Your “ship” could be waiting just past the fog — but you won’t see it from the shore.
Turn Setbacks Into Momentum
Didn’t get the opportunity you hoped for? Use that energy to fuel a new approach. Apply elsewhere, pivot your idea, or build something of your own. Initiative often grows in the space left behind by disappointment.
Be Your Own Advocate
No one will care about your dreams more than you do. Whether it’s in work, relationships, or creative pursuits, speak up, apply yourself, and show what you can do. Be the one who swims — even if others are still waiting.
Model Action for Others
Your courage to swim out might encourage others to follow. When you lead by example — pushing through difficulty or making bold moves — you create ripples that reach beyond yourself.
Let this Jonathan Winters quote be a reminder: you are allowed to move toward what you want, even if it means swimming against the current.
✨ The Motivation Message
You don’t have to sit on the shoreline waiting for something to change. You can move. You can swim. You can act!
The truth is, no one else is coming to rescue your dreams. And that’s not bad news — that’s freedom! It means you’re allowed to try, to go after things, to take risks and make waves 🌊.
Yes, it’s hard when the wait feels endless. Yes, you may be tired. But you’re not stuck — not really. You still have the choice to move your arms, to paddle toward what you want, to believe that your effort matters.
Yes, YOU. Even if the tide is against you. Even if others don’t see the point. You’re the one with the guts to swim. So go. Take one stroke. Then another. Your ship might be closer than you think 🛶.
About Jonathan Winters
Jonathan Winters, who was born in 1925 and died in 2013, was a beloved American comedian, actor, and voice artist known for his improvisational brilliance and surreal, character-driven humour. His influence stretched across generations of performers, inspiring artists like Robin Williams, who described him as a major mentor and comic hero.
Winters wasn’t just funny — he was deeply human. He openly discussed his struggles with mental health, bringing a level of vulnerability and truth to his work that many found deeply relatable. His humour often reflected the oddities and unpredictability of life, pairing wit with emotional resonance.
The quote “If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it” reflects his underlying philosophy: a blend of humour, persistence, and personal agency. Though not a motivational speaker in the traditional sense, Winters inspired people to take life into their own hands — with courage, creativity, and a dash of defiance.
