Motivation vs. Encouragement — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
Motivation is an internal drive to achieve goals, while encouragement is external support or reassurance from others.
Difference Between Motivation and Encouragement
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Motivation is an inner impulse that propels a person towards a goal. Encouragement is external support that boosts confidence or morale.
Motivation can be intrinsic (self-driven) or extrinsic (driven by external rewards). Encouragement usually comes from external sources.
While motivation is a personal force, encouragement often involves another person’s involvement to uplift or inspire.
Motivation can exist without encouragement, being self-generated. Encouragement, however, always involves another entity.
Both motivation and encouragement are crucial for success, but they function differently. Motivation is about the 'why', and encouragement is about the 'how'.
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Comparison Chart
Source
Internal drive or desire
External support or reassurance
Nature
Intrinsic or extrinsic
Always external
Dependency
Can exist independently
Requires another person or entity
Focus
The 'why' behind actions
The 'how', providing support
Role
Personal force for action
Boosts confidence or morale
Compare with Definitions
Motivation
Goal Achievement
Strong motivation is key to achieving goals.
Encouragement
Support
His words of encouragement lifted her spirits.
Motivation
Internal Drive
Her motivation to succeed was unwavering.
Encouragement
Uplifting
Encouragement from her coach boosted her confidence.
Motivation
Self-Determination
Self-discipline enhanced her motivation to study.
Encouragement
Inspiration
Their success served as encouragement to others.
Motivation
Desire or Need
His motivation for learning was his curiosity.
Encouragement
Reassurance
She offered encouragement during tough times.
Motivation
Incentive
Financial rewards served as a motivation for employees.
Encouragement
Moral Boost
The team needed encouragement after the loss.
Motivation
Motivation is what explains why people or animals initiate, continue or terminate a certain behavior at a particular time. Motivational states are commonly understood as forces acting within the agent that create a disposition to engage in goal-directed behavior.
Encouragement
The act of encouraging.
Motivation
The act or process of motivating
The coach's effective motivation of her players.
Encouragement
The state of being encouraged.
Motivation
The state of being motivated; having a desire or willingness to act
Students with a high level of motivation.
Encouragement
One that encourages.
Motivation
Something that motivates; an inducement, reason, or goal
“If your primary motivation in life is to be moral, you don't become an artist” (Mary Gordon).
Encouragement
The act of encouraging
Motivation
Willingness of action especially in behavior.
Encouragement
Something that incites, supports, promotes, protects or advances; incentive
Motivation
The action of motivating.
Encouragement
Words or actions that increase someone's confidence
Motivation
Something which motivates.
Encouragement
The feeling of being encouraged
Motivation
An incentive or reason for doing something.
Encouragement
The act of encouraging; incitement to action or to practice; as, the encouragement of youth in generosity.
All generous encouragement of arts.
Motivation
(advertising) A research rating that measures how the rational and emotional elements of a commercial affect consumer intention to consider, visit, or buy something.
The motivation scores showed that 65% of people wanted to visit our website to learn more about the offer after watching the commercial.
Encouragement
That which serves to incite, support, promote, or advance, as favor, countenance, reward, etc.; incentive; increase of confidence; as, the fine arts find little encouragement among a rude people.
To think of his paternal care,Is a most sweet encouragement to prayer.
Motivation
The act or process of motivating.
Encouragement
The expression of approval and support
Motivation
The mental process that arouses an organism to action; as, a large part of a teacher's job is to give students the motivation to learn on their own.
Encouragement
The act of giving hope or support to someone
Motivation
The goal or mental image of a goal that creates a motivation{2}; as, the image of a peaceful world is a powerful motivation for only a rare few individuals.
Encouragement
The feeling of being encouraged
Motivation
The psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior;
We did not understand his motivation
He acted with the best of motives
Motivation
The condition of being motivated;
His motivation was at a high level
Motivation
The act of motivating; providing incentive
Common Curiosities
Can motivation exist without encouragement?
Yes, motivation can be self-driven without external encouragement.
Is motivation always positive?
Generally, but it can be driven by negative factors too.
Does encouragement always involve others?
Yes, encouragement typically involves support from others.
What are examples of intrinsic motivation?
Personal growth, passion, and self-satisfaction.
How does motivation affect performance?
High motivation often leads to better performance and goal achievement.
Can encouragement change motivation?
Yes, it can enhance or redirect one's motivation.
What is encouragement?
Encouragement is external support or reassurance from others.
Why is encouragement important?
It boosts confidence and morale, especially during challenges.
How can one offer effective encouragement?
By being genuine, specific, and supportive.
What is motivation?
Motivation is an inner drive that propels individuals towards goals.
Can encouragement be negative?
Typically not, as it aims to uplift or inspire.
Is self-encouragement a form of motivation?
It can be, as it involves self-support which can boost internal motivation.
Are there different types of motivation?
Yes, including intrinsic, extrinsic, and amotivation.
Can too much encouragement be harmful?
Over-encouragement can sometimes lead to pressure or unrealistic expectations.
What are examples of extrinsic motivation?
Rewards, recognition, or avoiding negative consequences.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
