The Difference Between Inspiration and Motivation
When it comes to achieving any goal in life, often, we hear people using the terms ‘inspiration’ and ‘motivation’ interchangeably. However, while they may seem similar, there is a significant difference between the two.
Inspiration
Inspiration is an external force that pushes you to do something. It motivates you to take action and fills you with a sense of purpose. For example, reading the biography of someone who achieved great success may inspire you to pursue your own dreams.
Inspiration comes from sources such as people, books, quotes, nature, and anything else that aligns with our values and beliefs. It is an emotional and uplifting feeling that makes you want to take action.
Motivation
Motivation is different from inspiration. It is an internal force that drives us to take action. Motivation is what makes us want to achieve our goals and aspirations.
Motivation can come from different sources, including external factors such as rewards or internal factors such as personal satisfaction. It is a driving force that keeps us moving forward even when faced with obstacles.
The key difference between inspiration and motivation is that inspiration is the feeling that comes from external sources that move you to take action. Whereas, motivation is the internal drive that keeps you focused on achieving your goals.
Conclusion
Ultimately, inspiration and motivation go hand in hand. Inspiration can provide the spark that ignites motivation, and motivation helps us turn inspiration into action. Knowing the difference between the two can help you achieve your goals effectively. By understanding what inspires you and using that inspiration to fuel your motivation, you can accomplish anything you set your mind on.
Table difference between inspiration and motivation
| Inspiration | Motivation | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something creative, spiritual or emotional. | The general desire or willingness to do something, often because of encouragement or incentive. |
| Source | From within oneself or external sources such as nature, art, music, books, etc. | Can come from internal or external factors such as rewards, deadlines, goals, consequences or pressure. |
| Duration | Inspiration can be a fleeting or long-lasting feeling, and it can have an impact on one’s perspective, beliefs, and values. | Motivation is often a short-term feeling, it may be momentary, and it typically drives action towards a goal or objective. |
| Type of Action | Inspiration often leads to a more spontaneous or creative type of action, and it may not be driven by personal or external rewards. | Motivation typically leads to a goal-oriented type of action, and it is often driven by a sense of personal gain, reward or recognition. |
| Example | A beautiful sunset inspires a poet to write a moving poem about its beauty. | The thought of receiving a promotion motivates an employee to work harder to achieve their goals. |