How many times during this week did you use (or hear someone else use) these two words – motivation, inspiration? Multiple times am sure. These two words are so much part of our vocabulary now that we tend to use them interchangeably.

However though, inspiration and motivation are not the same thing - there is an argument that they are quite the opposite from one another. Inspiration is a strong desire to create, to reach out and make something or do something that never existed before. Motivation is a general willingness or the reason for an action.

The difference lies in the expression. Motivated people charge forward, not letting anyone or anything stop them or interfere with their process. Inspiration, on the other hand, pulls you and others your way and carries them along. In other words, with motivation, you grab the vision and run with it, with inspiration, the idea grabs hold of you (and those around you).

Have you ever had an inspiration? You can probably remember every detail, the time it hit, the idea behind it, the way it felt. With motivation, that comes and goes and maybe you remember the project that came from it, but not in the fine details that inspiration leaves on you.

This is probably the most significant difference. Motivation wears out. Often it runs out long before the project is over. Inspiration on the other hand can last a lifetime and take you (and those around you) to new horizons you’d never thought of before.

Motivation is like the personal coach that yells about “getting up,” “hitting harder,” “running faster.” It’s the push that we need to get over the initial slump or over that mid-point. Inspiration doesn’t need a push or a press. Inspiration is more like finding a new perspective, a fresh eye where you’ve never known existed.

You cannot teach inspiration; it can’t be passed on from one person to another. Inspiration comes indirectly, stealing into our thoughts when we don’t expect it, when we’re clear-headed and often concentrating on something else.

Motivation is the drive to bring the creation to reality, to finish the project, but inspiration is the birth of creativity. Inspiration can be a life-changing event that completely realigns your perspective on a permanent basis.

Motivation is independent of passion. Motivation is often a replacement for passion; inspiration is passion at its most raw form. Inspiration is an idea, a vision that takes hold and never let's go. People who are inspired are more likely to succeed, more likely to influence others.

Being motivated to a task typically does not motivate another. Being inspired, on the other is contagious. Inspired people catch others in their passion and create inspiration in them thus making inspiration the more valuable of the two.

So the next time you find yourself using these two words (or hear them being used) take a moment to process what you are saying (or hearing) to make sure that it’s in the right context.

Until my next blog post, stay focused, encouraged & motivated.

Ayeshea

PS: I will love to hear how you are getting on so please use the 'Send a Message' form below to get in touch with your comments and/or any questions you might have, and I’ll personally get back to you (normally within 24hours of receiving your message).