Be a rowboat.

Talking Rehab with Dr. Fred Bagares

🎧 Sailboat or Rowboat: Motivation vs. Discipline in Rehab

In this episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast, I explore a powerful analogy I shared with my kids: are you a sailboat or a rowboat? Sailboats move when the wind (motivation) shows up — but rowboats move when the person rowing decides to act, regardless of external forces. This concept becomes incredibly relevant in rehabilitation.

I dive into how discipline, not motivation, is the more reliable path forward for those dealing with chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions, or slow progress in recovery. I talk about the dangers of waiting — for the right diagnosis, perfect treatment, or ideal circumstances — and how that delay often leads to greater pain, disability, and missed opportunities.

We also look at common reasons patients hesitate to act: fear of disappointment, lack of instant results, or waiting for specialists. I share why investing consistent effort — even in imperfect conditions — often yields the best outcomes.

Whether you're a patient, clinician, or someone navigating your own recovery journey, this episode is a reminder that progress is possible — but it starts with you picking up the oars.

⏱ Timestamps

• 00:33 – Parenting, motivation, and the "sailboat vs. rowboat" analogy
• 01:50 – Motivation is fleeting; discipline is reliable
• 04:04 – How discipline applies in rehab settings
• 06:00 – The risk of waiting for ideal treatment conditions
• 07:07 – Why pain, disability, and disappointment increase with delay
• 08:44 – The long referral cycle for musculoskeletal patients
• 10:00 – Understanding the fear of trying and failing
• 11:21 – Short-term vs. long-term treatments: a warning about quick fixes
• 13:00 – The emotional cost of waiting too long
• 15:01 – Muscle loss, missed life events, and poor conditioning from delay
• 16:01 – Final thoughts: build discipline, don’t wait for perfect timing

🎯 Call to Action
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