Difference between Motivation and Encouragement

Key Difference: Motivation is related to inspiration that increases the eagerness or willingness to do work. Encouragement is the persuasion to do or to continue something.

The two actions that either can be received or given are motivation and encouragement. Reward plays a very vital role in both the actions. It helps one to reach their goals and have a positive result. One can easily encourage and motivate oneself, but getting encouragement and motivation from others can give one a great power upon their being. It is like a sign to a person that they are on a right track.

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 workplace. 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. This is just one 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.

Beautiful quotes on Motivation:

“When people are highly motivated, it's easy to accomplish the impossible. And when they're not, it's impossible to accomplish the easy.” - Bob Collings

“The greatest motivational act one person can do for another is to listen.” - Roy E. Moody

The Oxford Dictionary defines encouragement as “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.” It is the persuasion to do or to continue something. Encouraging someone for a particular activity will make him at least try that work. Encouragement plays a vital role in education. Great teachers are those that can liberate fears from the minds of their students and give them the sense of belief, confidence and encouragement. Rewards can also be said to be an encouragement to an individual. People should also encourage others to go after their own dreams and goals. There are different kinds of encouragement: gestures, listening, positive words, truthfulness and extra effort.

Beautiful quotes on Encouragement:

“If someone listens or stretches out a hand, or whispers a word of encouragement, or attempts to understand a lonely person, extraordinary things begin to happen.” - Loretta Girzartis

“Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize.” - Elizabeth Harrison

Comparison between Motivation and Encouragement:

	Motivation	Encouragement
Description	Motivation is related to the inspiration that increases the eagerness or willingness to do something.	Encouragement is the persuasion to do or to continue something.
Types	Passive inspiration Active inspiration	Gestures Listening Positive words Be truth Extra effort
It makes	Life effortless Your passion burns steady, it doesn’t flat line. You feel it 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.	Private counseling and group therapy provide campers with encouragement and support. He never once offered me constructive criticism, advice, or encouragement. Any support and encouragement you can get will make it all the more likely that kids will get to play.