Difference between Inspiration and Motivation

Key Difference: Inspiration is the process by which the mental stimulation takes place. It makes one want to do or feel something. Motivation is related to inspiration that increases the eagerness or willingness to do work.

Inspiration and motivation both are different, but are dependent and inter-related. Though, they both have different contexts, the terms makes one do similar things.

The Oxford Dictionary defines inspiration as “the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative”. It denotes that some kind of influence is involved in the process of stimulation. In simple words, inspiration deals with influence which motivates one to do something. To be inspired, the most important thing is the source of inspiration. This is the entity under whose influence, you would do something. This source can be another person, a song, a painting, a story, a photograph, or many other numerous things. There can be numerous examples for inspiration. The most important thing with inspiration is that it involves inner strength after getting stimulated; meaning that a person tends to do things with the full involvement of his body and mind.

There are two types of inspiration: Passive and Active. Consuming the success and ideas of others is passive inspiration. Whereas, the act of creating things, applying new ideas to one’s goals, and making mistakes that they discover is active inspiration.

The Oxford Dictionary defines motivation as “a reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way”. It is related to the inspiration that increases the eagerness or willingness to do work. If a person is motivated he will do that work with more effort and try to complete his goals before or on time. It is a desire or willingness; in short, the enthusiasm to achieve something. Motivation plays a vital role in the work place. The company managers are the ones who motivate their employees or colleagues as a team leader to reach their goals. An incentive is also something that motivates an individual to perform an action. Another place where motivation plays a key role is in education. It was just an example; otherwise motivation is helpful and applicable in each and everything thing.

There are two main types of motivation: Intrinsic and Extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is internal. It means it occurs when people are compelled to do something out of pleasure, importance or desire. Whereas, extrinsic motivation occurs when external factors compel the person to do something.

There are beautiful quotes on Inspiration and Motivation:

“Motivation is external, inspiration is internal”. by Simon Lawry
“Motivation is inner drive to fulfill goal. Inspiration is having a glimpse of who you really are.” by Bambooforest

Comparison between Inspiration and Motivation:

	Inspiration	Motivation
Description	Inspiration is the process by which the mental stimulation takes place. It makes one want to do or feel something.	Motivation is related to the inspiration that increases the eagerness or willingness to do something.
Deals with	That makes you to something	Desire or willingness to do something
Types	Passive inspiration Active inspiration	Intrinsic Motivation Extrinsic Motivation
It makes	Life effortless Your passion burns steady, it doesn’t flat line. You feel in your bones.	You have to hold yourself back from starting right now. It occupies magnitudes of mental space, there’s no vacancy. You feel called to do this; the feeling comes from your core.
Examples	My mother is my inspiration. Scientists take inspiration from nature and instill novel magnetic properties. It is leadership by example and an inspiration for all of us. The artists get an inspiration from the beautiful environment around them.	Monitor your progress in order to keep yourself motivated. We know that these students have strong motivation to learn. This institute is completely associated with motivation and learning. The emphasis is placed throughout on guiding principles and motivation.