Motivation vs. Motivational — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 5, 2024
Motivation is the internal drive or reason for actions, while motivational refers to the quality of inspiring such drives in others.
Difference Between Motivation and Motivational
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Motivation is an internal process that stimulates and guides behavior, arising from one's needs, desires, or goals. On the other hand, motivational is an adjective describing anything that encourages or inspires someone to act or achieve. Motivation is about the "why" behind actions, focusing on internal desires and goals, whereas motivational aspects serve as external stimuli or influences that trigger or enhance an individual's motivation.
Motivation can stem from various sources, such as personal ambition, curiosity, or the necessity to fulfill basic needs. In contrast, motivational tools or techniques might include inspirational speeches, rewards, or the setting of achievable goals designed to enhance an individual's motivation. These external inputs aim to influence the internal motivational state.
While motivation is a personal and internal experience, motivational elements are often designed or presented by others. For example, a teacher using motivational strategies to encourage students reflects an external attempt to influence the students' internal motivations.
The effectiveness of motivational elements can vary widely among individuals, as what motivates one person may not inspire another. This variability underscores the personalized nature of motivation and the need for motivational approaches to be adaptable and consider individual differences.
The study of motivation is a key aspect of psychology, focusing on understanding why people make the choices they do. Meanwhile, the creation and study of motivational techniques often intersect with fields such as education, management, and coaching, emphasizing how to influence motivation in various settings.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The internal drive or desire that leads to action.
Pertaining to the ability to inspire or arouse motivation in others.
Nature
Intrinsic and personal.
Extrinsic, serving as an external stimulus.
Focus
On the reasons behind actions or behaviors.
On the methods or strategies to encourage motivation.
Application
Concerns an individual’s internal processes.
Involves tools, methods, or practices aimed at others.
Study
Central to psychology, exploring the "why" behind behaviors.
Intersects with education, management, and coaching, focusing on how to influence others' motivations.
Compare with Definitions
Motivation
A desire or willingness to do something.
Her motivation to succeed in her career was strong.
Motivational
Capable of stimulating interest or enthusiasm.
Motivational posters adorn the walls of the fitness center.
Motivation
An internal drive to achieve goals.
The athlete’s motivation was fueled by the desire to win Olympic gold.
Motivational
Providing encouragement to do or achieve something.
The coach’s motivational speech helped the team win.
Motivation
Psychological forces that determine the direction of a person’s behavior.
Understanding motivation can help improve employee performance.
Motivational
Designed to arouse an individual’s motivation.
Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach.
Motivation
The reason or reasons behind one's actions or behavior.
His motivation for volunteering was to give back to the community.
Motivational
Involving methods or techniques for motivating people.
His motivational tactics effectively increased productivity.
Motivation
The process of being motivated.
Motivation is key to overcoming challenges.
Motivational
Related to the ability to inspire motivation.
Motivational strategies are essential in teaching.
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.
Motivational
The act or process of motivating
The coach's effective motivation of her players.
Motivation
The act or process of motivating
The coach's effective motivation of her players.
Motivational
The state of being motivated; having a desire or willingness to act
Students with a high level of motivation.
Motivation
The state of being motivated; having a desire or willingness to act
Students with a high level of motivation.
Motivational
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).
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).
Motivational
Tending or intended to motivate.
Motivation
Willingness of action especially in behavior.
Motivational
Of or relating to motivation
Motivation
The action of motivating.
Motivation
Something which motivates.
Motivation
An incentive or reason for doing something.
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.
Motivation
The act or process of motivating.
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.
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.
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
How important is motivation in achieving goals?
Motivation is crucial for goal achievement, as it provides the drive and direction necessary to pursue and accomplish objectives.
How does motivational differ from motivation?
Motivational refers to anything that inspires or encourages someone to act, focusing on external influences, while motivation is about the internal reasons behind actions.
Is motivation always positive?
While motivation is generally viewed positively, as it drives goal-directed behavior, it can also stem from negative sources, such as fear or anxiety.
Can motivation be taught?
While the internal aspect of motivation is personal, techniques and strategies to enhance or influence one’s motivation can be taught and learned.
Can a lack of motivation be overcome?
Yes, through various strategies such as setting smaller goals, seeking inspiration, and using motivational tools, individuals can overcome a lack of motivation.
What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?
Intrinsic motivation comes from within, driven by personal satisfaction, whereas extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards or pressures.
Can external motivations influence intrinsic motivation?
Yes, external factors like rewards or recognition can influence one’s intrinsic motivation, either enhancing it or, in some cases, undermining it.
How can motivation be measured?
Motivation can be measured through self-report questionnaires, observation of behavior, and assessment of goal attainment.
What is motivation?
Motivation is the inner drive or desire that prompts an individual to act or behave in a certain way.
Are motivational speeches effective for everyone?
The effectiveness of motivational speeches varies among individuals, as people have different preferences and motivational triggers.
Do motivational methods need to be personalized?
Yes, because individuals vary in what motivates them, effective motivational methods often require personalization.
Why is understanding motivation important in the workplace?
Understanding motivation is essential for improving employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction.
What role do motivational tools play in education?
In education, motivational tools are used to engage students, enhance their interest in learning, and encourage persistence towards achieving academic goals.
How do motivational speakers inspire others?
Motivational speakers inspire by sharing personal stories, conveying positive messages, and presenting strategies to overcome challenges.
What makes a motivational tool effective?
Effectiveness depends on its relevance to the individual's needs, values, and personal motivational triggers.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
