Motivation vs Inspiration What Holds The Key For Lasting Change?
- Jason Reed
- Dec 22, 2024
- 3 min read

Let's talk about the secret to motivation, but is it really motivation you need to be providing to your teams? In a recent clubhouse room, we spoke about motivation and throughout the many comments and conversations we had there was a point made that has still lives in my head rent-free. I've listened to many motivational speakers and have gone through many books about motivation but to hear "motivation doesn't exist" I felt like well what did I waste my time on.......but the reality is people are not motivated they are inspired. That is the spark to create the internal drive which turns into production which we call motivation. Here's the deal - it's not about external motivation, it's about tapping into that internal fire within you.Â
Motivation is often fleeting and externally driven. It's the "push" that gets someone to take action, whether it's a deadline, a reward, or a fear of consequences. While motivation can spur short-term results, it lacks the staying power to create meaningful, sustainable change.
On the other hand, inspiration is the "pull" that comes from within. It's the spark that ignites passion, creativity, and a genuine desire to do better. When people are inspired, they don't act out of obligation or pressure, but out of a genuine belief in the cause and a commitment to making a difference.
Think about the most successful and impactful individuals and organizations. They aren't driven by mere motivation, but by a deep-rooted sense of inspiration. They've tapped into something larger than themselves, a vision or purpose that resonates on a profound level. This inspiration is what fuels their motivation and propels them to overcome obstacles and push the boundaries of what's possible.
Motivation may get people started, but inspiration is what keeps them going. It's the driving force behind sustained change, innovation, and personal growth. By focusing on cultivating inspiration, we can unlock the true potential of individuals and teams, empowering them to achieve greatness in a way that motivation alone simply cannot. So lets get real about Motivation vs Inspiration.
As a sales agent with a deep understanding of human psychology, I've seen firsthand the power of inspiration in driving exceptional results. Let's explore both sides of this fascinating debate.
The Case for Motivation
Proponents of motivation argue that it is the primary engine that propels people to take action. Motivation can come from a variety of external sources, such as deadlines, rewards, or the fear of consequences. When individuals are motivated, they are more likely to overcome obstacles and achieve their desired outcomes.
Research has shown that motivation can lead to impressive short-term results. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who were offered a financial incentive were more likely to complete a task than those who were not.
The Case for Inspiration
However, the counterargument made by champions of inspiration is that while motivation may produce immediate results, it lacks the staying power to create meaningful, sustainable change. Inspiration, on the other hand, taps into the deeper, intrinsic desires of individuals, igniting a genuine passion and commitment to the cause.
Inspiration is often described as the "pull" that comes from within, rather than the "push" of external motivation. When people are inspired, they don't act out of obligation or pressure, but out of a genuine belief in the vision and a desire to make a difference.
A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that employees who were inspired by their work were more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay with their organization long-term. Inspiration, it seems, is the key to unlocking human potential and driving lasting transformation.
The Power of Inspiration
The most successful and impactful individuals and organizations are not driven by mere motivation, but by a deep-rooted sense of inspiration. They've tapped into something larger than themselves, a vision or purpose that resonates on a profound level. This inspiration is what fuels their motivation and propels them to overcome obstacles and push the boundaries of what's possible and drives lasting transformation
Motivation may get people started, but inspiration is what keeps them going. It's the driving force behind sustained change, innovation, and personal growth. By focusing on cultivating inspiration, we can unlock the true potential of individuals and teams, empowering them to achieve greatness in a way that motivation alone simply cannot.
Conclusion Motivation vs Inspiration
While both motivation and inspiration have their merits, the evidence suggests that inspiration holds the key to lasting change. By tapping into the deeper desires and intrinsic motivations of individuals, we can create a powerful and sustainable force for transformation. As a sales agent, sales manager, and everything in between. I've seen the incredible results that can be achieved when people are inspired. What are your thoughts on the subject?