Motivation vs. Inspiration: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 3, 2024
Motivation is the internal drive to achieve goals, while inspiration is the external spark that stimulates creativity or action.
Key Differences
Motivation is an internal, psychological force that compels a person to act towards achieving specific goals. Inspiration, in contrast, usually comes from external sources, such as people, experiences, or the environment, and ignites creativity or a desire for change.
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Motivation is often sustained over time and is goal-oriented, driving consistent effort and action. Inspiration is typically more momentary, a fleeting spark that can lead to a burst of creativity or a new perspective.
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Motivation pushes individuals to overcome obstacles and persist in the face of challenges. Inspiration pulls an individual towards a new idea or possibility, often leading to an expansion of thoughts and creativity.
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Motivation is crucial for personal growth and achieving success, often requiring self-discipline and perseverance. Inspiration, while not constant, provides fresh ideas and perspectives, playing a key role in creative endeavors and problem-solving.
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Motivation can be driven by various emotions, including ambition, desire, or even fear. Inspiration is typically associated with positive emotions like awe, wonder, and excitement, offering a sense of possibility and optimism.
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Comparison Chart
Emotional Underpinnings
Varies, can include ambition
Often positive, like awe
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Role in Achievement
Essential for goal attainment
Sparks new ideas and paths
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Motivation and Inspiration Definitions
Motivation
Incentive to Act
Financial rewards served as a strong motivation for employees.
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Inspiration
Creative Spark
The stunning landscape was her inspiration for the painting.
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Motivation
Internal Stimulus
Personal growth was his primary motivation for studying abroad.
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Inspiration
Moment of Insight
A chance conversation provided the inspiration for his new invention.
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Motivation
Driving Force
Her motivation to succeed in her career was unwavering.
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Inspiration
Source of Ideas
Historical figures often serve as an inspiration for writers.
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Motivation
Source of Energy
The athlete's motivation came from her competitive spirit.
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Inspiration
Stimulus for Creativity
Music is a powerful source of inspiration for many artists.
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Motivation
The act or process of motivating
The coach's effective motivation of her players.
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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.
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Motivation
The state of being motivated; having a desire or willingness to act
Students with a high level of motivation.
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Inspiration
The condition of being so excited
Sat down to write in a sudden burst of inspiration.
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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).
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Inspiration
The quality of being so excited, as manifested in something
A painting full of inspiration.
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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.
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Inspiration
Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired
Had an inspiration and saw a way to solve the problem.
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Inspiration
Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on a human mind or soul.
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Inspiration
The act of drawing in, especially the inhalation of air into the lungs.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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
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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.
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Motivation
The condition of being motivated;
His motivation was at a high level
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Inspiration
A new idea, especially one which arises suddenly and is clever or creative.
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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.
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Motivation
Reason for Behavior
His motivation for volunteering was purely altruistic.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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Inspiration
The act of inhaling; the drawing in of air (or other gases) as in breathing
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Inspiration
External Influence
Her teacher's encouragement was the inspiration behind her academic success.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is inspiration always positive?
Typically, inspiration is associated with positive emotions and creativity.
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Can motivation be influenced by external factors?
Yes, external factors like rewards can influence motivation.
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What is motivation?
Motivation is the internal drive that pushes a person to act towards goals.
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How is inspiration defined?
Inspiration is an external stimulus that ignites creativity or new ideas.
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How do motivations vary among individuals?
Motivations vary based on personal goals, desires, and experiences.
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What are common sources of inspiration?
Nature, art, people, and experiences are common sources of inspiration.
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How does motivation affect performance?
Higher motivation typically leads to better performance and goal attainment.
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Can motivation be learned?
Yes, motivation can be developed through practices like goal-setting and self-discipline.
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Does inspiration lead to motivation?
Often, inspiration can spark motivation, especially in creative pursuits.
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How important is motivation in achieving success?
Motivation is crucial for persistence and effort towards achieving success.
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Is inspiration necessary for creativity?
While not always necessary, inspiration is a powerful catalyst for creativity.
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Are there different types of motivation?
Yes, such as intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) motivation.
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Can motivation diminish over time?
Yes, motivation can wane if not reinforced or if goals change.
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Can inspiration come from negative experiences?
Yes, challenging or negative experiences can sometimes lead to powerful inspiration.
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What role does environment play in inspiration?
The environment can greatly influence inspiration by providing stimuli and ideas.
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How can one increase their motivation?
Setting clear goals, finding personal meaning, and self-reward can increase motivation.
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What's the relationship between inspiration and innovation?
Inspiration often leads to innovative ideas and approaches.
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Can inspiration be sought out?
Yes, one can seek inspiration through new experiences, learning, and exploration.
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Can a person be motivated but not inspired?
Yes, it's possible to be driven (motivated) without having a creative spark (inspiration).
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How does culture influence motivation?
Cultural values and norms can shape what motivates individuals.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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