Motivation is the driving force that cause us to take action. It gives us the incentive to start behaving in a certain way and provides us with a reason for our actions. It’s what clicks in our brains to desire to act rather than not act.

You can also learn motivation from others or perhaps pass it on to them. If a team member of yours reaches their goals at work, it could motivate you to reach your own. They could be setting an example for you and showing you how they harness motivation to succeed. Inspiration is more of a state of being that provides us with an agent of influence. It’s something that’s based on our values, imagination, and experiences. Inspiration sparks desires in us to pursue something. These pursuits are often creative, but they don’t have to be. Seeing someone’s success on a project might inspire you to take on your own.

But where inspiration is the idea or desire, we still need the motivation to help us act. You might feel inspired to write a song, but will you be motivated enough to do it?

We might find motivation without inspiration, but we’re more likely to move forward if we have a deep desire to do so. Inspiration can provide the willingness that is necessary to spark our drive. External factors can spark our inspiration, but it’s an internal, personal experience.