What is the difference between motivation and inspiration? How do you involve these into your ever day life/military career?

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 20:07:42 -0400

Response by BG David Fleming III made Sep 25 at 2015 8:10 PM

BG David Fleming III — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 20:10:16 -0400

Inspiration is the engine of motivation. My kids inspire and motivate me to be all I can be!

Response by SN Greg Wright made Sep 25 at 2015 8:12 PM

SN Greg Wright — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 20:12:37 -0400

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member Welcome to RP!

Motivation is the daily drive to be the best you can be. Inspiration is a situational helper -- i.e. a sudden idea or thought on how to do things better.

In other words, the one is sustained, the other periodic.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2015 8:14 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 20:14:28 -0400

Motivation is what you desire and internal but inspiration is based on others. Like motivated to pass physical fitness test to avoid doing it monthly. Inspired by the guy who left work early on a Friday to go home.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2015 8:15 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 20:15:48 -0400

Inspiration is the cause, motivation is the action that helps you achieve what inspired you.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Sep 25 at 2015 8:20 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 20:20:38 -0400

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member I view motivation as a fire, a fire that fuels me and my Marines to mission accomplishment. Inspiration normally comes from observing the motivation and drive of others.

An Inspired Marines will normally be motivated. A motivated Marine is not always inspired, but is often inspiring. Sometimes a Marine is neither, lacking good leadership, or failing to understand the leadership provided them. It is then incumbent on him or her to step up and take charge, providing his or her own motivation and inspiring those around him and her.

Semper Fidelis, keep asking the hard questions and drive on!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 25 at 2015 8:30 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 20:30:20 -0400

Motivation is the eagerness to get something done. Inspiration is the eagerness to change yourself in the process.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2015 8:35 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 20:35:25 -0400

I ask this because I believe that an effective leader and follower should know how to answer it themselves. It's often for us, being in the military, to run into the occasional micromanaging leaders. That alone, motivates and inspires me to be so much better. It gives me the self control to sit back, take it all in, and move forward.

I want to go above and beyond those basic standards that a junior Marine has to meet. Being admin, it is hard when only certain opportunities are offered but again, I want to feel that fire.

I wanted to know the thoughts of others on this, so I could fuel my fire.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Sep 25 at 2015 8:36 PM

1LT William Clardy — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 20:36:22 -0400

Very simply, LCpl Private RallyPoint Member, motivation gives purpose, while inspiration adds creativity.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Sep 25 at 2015 8:49 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 20:49:17 -0400

For me, motivation is an internal drive. Inspiration comes from my observance of other motivated people doing extraordinary things. That inspiration fuels the motivation.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2015 8:52 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 20:52:27 -0400

Inspiration is seeing how my sons have grown into the fine men they have become. And seeing the look in my grandchildren's eyes when they see me. Motivation is what helps me cope with the challenges thrown at me from life (thank you Marine Corps). Many times inspiration and motivation go hand in hand. You are a Marine so you must have motivation now use what ever inspires you to accomplish your goals. I've been pushed to the ground many times, but by God I'm not going to stay there. Good luck and carry on Marine!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 25 at 2015 9:29 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 21:29:37 -0400

I think motivation is what guides and pushes you to action. Inspiration runs deeper and in a way can be spiritual.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2015 9:47 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 21:47:08 -0400

It's for each one of us to figure that out cause it's different for each of us

Response by SGT Christopher Churilla made Sep 26 at 2015 9:31 AM

SGT Christopher Churilla — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 09:31:20 -0400

My opinion, motivation comes from within while inspiration comes from something outside you.

Response by LCpl Kasey Woods made Oct 28 at 2015 7:14 PM

LCpl Kasey Woods — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 19:14:40 -0400

Motivation is rage, hate, fear, love, where as inspiration is beauty. I almost always got in trouble because i think a little to far out side the box. let your emotions drive you and your mind guide you.

Response by SGT Emma Janson Author made Aug 31 at 2016 9:49 PM

SGT Emma Janson Author — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 21:49:38 -0400

Motivation = encouraging drive from the outside. "You can do this."
Inspiration = encouraging drive from within. "My leader believes I can do this, therefore I can."

Response by CPL Cheryl Bottass made Apr 23 at 2018 2:13 PM

CPL Cheryl Bottass — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 14:13:01 -0400

Motivation is internal, what gets out the door every day. Could be a desire to improve your/your family’s situation, or wanting to make a difference. Inspiration comes from outside, something you see or hear strikes a chord in your soul, and your path is clear. From a career path to a better set up for your kitchen.