Motivation vs. Inspiration — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 15, 2023
Motivation is an internal drive pushing one to act, while inspiration is an external stimulus that sparks creativity or emotion.
Difference Between Motivation and Inspiration
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Motivation is typically understood as an internal or inherent force that pushes someone to take a certain action or achieve a specific goal. It acts as the fuel or the reason behind actions. On the other hand, inspiration is often seen as an external influence that can trigger new ideas, perspectives, or feelings within an individual. It is more about enlightenment than drive.
People find motivation from various sources, be it personal ambitions, desires, or needs. For instance, the motivation to work might come from the need to earn money or the desire to achieve professional success. Inspiration, however, often emerges from external sources like nature, art, or another person's actions or words. It might not necessarily push one to act but can cause a shift in perspective.
When it comes to longevity, motivation can sometimes be fleeting, especially if it's based on external rewards or recognition. Once the goal is achieved, the motivation might diminish. In contrast, inspiration tends to have a more lasting impact, as it often leads to a change in one's beliefs, values, or perceptions.
While motivation is more about the 'why' behind our actions, the driving factor pushing us towards our goals, inspiration is more about the 'aha' moment, a sudden clarity or understanding, which might or might not lead to immediate action. It's the spark, while motivation is the fuel.
Comparison Chart
Source
Internal drive
External stimulus
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Purpose
Pushes one to act
Sparks creativity or emotion
Duration
Can be fleeting
Often has lasting impact
Based on
Goals, desires, needs
Enlightenment, new perspectives
Leads to
Action
Ideas, feelings, possibly action
Compare with Definitions
Motivation
The general desire or willingness to do something.
After the pep talk, the team's motivation was sky-high.
Inspiration
A sudden creative act or idea.
The scenic view gave her the inspiration for her next painting.
Motivation
An internal force that pushes someone to achieve.
The promise of a bonus was all the motivation she needed.
Inspiration
The process of being mentally aroused.
The workshop was full of moments of inspiration.
Motivation
The reason or reasons one has for acting in a particular way.
His motivation for studying was to get into a good college.
Inspiration
Stimulation to feel or act in a particular way.
Her courage served as an inspiration to all.
Motivation
Factors that stimulate the desire to work.
Good leadership is key to employee motivation.
Inspiration
Divine guidance or influence exerted on the mind.
Many artists claim divine inspiration for their work.
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.
Inspiration
The excitement of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity
A singer who found her inspiration in popular songs of the 1920s.
Motivation
The act or process of motivating
The coach's effective motivation of her players.
Inspiration
The condition of being so excited
Sat down to write in a sudden burst of inspiration.
Motivation
The state of being motivated; having a desire or willingness to act
Students with a high level of motivation.
Inspiration
The quality of being so excited, as manifested in something
A painting full of inspiration.
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).
Inspiration
A person or thing that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention
Gandhi has been an inspiration to political reformers for decades.
Motivation
Willingness of action especially in behavior.
Inspiration
Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired
Had an inspiration and saw a way to solve the problem.
Motivation
The action of motivating.
Inspiration
Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on a human mind or soul.
Motivation
Something which motivates.
Inspiration
The act of drawing in, especially the inhalation of air into the lungs.
Motivation
An incentive or reason for doing something.
Inspiration
The drawing of air into the lungs, accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls and flattening of the diaphragm, as part of the act of respiration.
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.
Inspiration
(countable) A breath, a single inhalation.
Motivation
The act or process of motivating.
Inspiration
A supernatural divine influence on the prophets, apostles, or sacred writers, by which they were qualified to communicate moral or religious truth with authority; a supernatural influence which qualifies people to receive and communicate divine truth; also, the truth communicated.
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.
Inspiration
The act of an elevating or stimulating influence upon the intellect, emotions or creativity.
She was waiting for inspiration to write a book.
Usage notes: In this sense, it may be followed by the adposition to in relation to the person being influenced, and for or to in relation to the idea or activity:
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.
Inspiration
A person, object, or situation which quickens or stimulates an influence upon the intellect, emotions or creativity.
The trip was an inspiration to her for writing a book.
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
Inspiration
A new idea, especially one which arises suddenly and is clever or creative.
Motivation
The condition of being motivated;
His motivation was at a high level
Inspiration
The act of inspiring or breathing in; breath; specif. (Physiol.), the drawing of air into the lungs, accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls and flattening of the diaphragm; - the opposite of expiration.
Motivation
The act of motivating; providing incentive
Inspiration
The act or power of exercising an elevating or stimulating influence upon the intellect or emotions; the result of such influence which quickens or stimulates; as, the inspiration of occasion, of art, etc.
Your father was ever virtuous, and holy men at their death have good inspirations.
Motivation
The psychological feature arousing action.
The story of the underdog provided motivation for many.
Inspiration
A supernatural divine influence on the prophets, apostles, or sacred writers, by which they were qualified to communicate moral or religious truth with authority; a supernatural influence which qualifies men to receive and communicate divine truth; also, the truth communicated.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.
The age which we now live in is not an age of inspiration and impulses.
Inspiration
Arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity
Inspiration
A product of your creative thinking and work;
He had little respect for the inspirations of other artists
After years of work his brainchild was a tangible reality
Inspiration
A sudden intuition as part of solving a problem
Inspiration
(theology) a special influence of a divinity on the minds of human beings;
They believe that the books of Scripture were written under divine guidance
Inspiration
Arousing to a particular emotion or action
Inspiration
The act of inhaling; the drawing in of air (or other gases) as in breathing
Inspiration
An external influence that enlightens or sparks ideas.
The documentary was an inspiration for change.
Common Curiosities
Is motivation always internal?
Primarily, motivation is internal, but it can be influenced by external factors like rewards.
Can anything be an inspiration?
Yes, inspiration can come from myriad sources, including nature, people, art, or experiences.
Why does motivation decrease over time?
Motivation can wane if goals are met, or if there's a lack of perceived progress or value.
Is motivation always positive?
Not necessarily. People can be motivated by negative factors, like fear or avoidance of pain.
Can inspiration lead to motivation?
Yes, being inspired can often lead to the motivation to act or create based on that inspiration.
Is external reward a sustainable source of motivation?
While effective short-term, external rewards might not provide lasting motivation.
Are inspiration and creativity the same?
No, inspiration is the spark or trigger, while creativity is the process of generating unique ideas.
Does motivation always lead to action?
Typically, yes. Motivation is the drive that pushes one to act.
How can one find inspiration?
Being open-minded, exploring new experiences, and reflecting can help one find inspiration.
Can a person be both motivated and inspired by the same thing?
Absolutely, something can provide both the drive (motivation) and the spark (inspiration).
Can motivation exist without goals?
It's possible but uncommon. Motivation usually requires a direction or purpose.
What's a common source of inspiration?
Nature, personal experiences, and the achievements of others often serve as inspiration.
How can one boost motivation?
Setting clear goals, seeking feedback, and finding personal meaning can boost motivation.
Do motivation and inspiration always lead to positive outcomes?
Not always. The outcome depends on how one channels their motivation or inspiration.
Can one person's inspiration be another's motivation?
Definitely. One's inspired achievements can motivate others to pursue similar goals.
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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.
