Motivation and Inspiration Day is annually celebrated on January 2 in the United States of America. It is a day to sober up after all the festivities of New Year’s Eve and really get to work on those resolutions. At the start of each new year, we all swear to heaven, and beyond that, that this is the year we will achieve our set goals and improve ourselves in general. Motivation and Inspiration Day is the perfect day to get off your butt and start working towards that. It is also a day to remember the tragic events of 9/11 in the U.S. and get a renewed focus in your daily life.
History of Motivation and Inspiration Day
Motivation and Inspiration Day came to existence through the efforts of a motivational speaker in the United States, Kevin L. McCrudden, popularly known as “Mr. Motivation” and “America’s Chief Motivation Officer.” He used his company, Motivate America, Inc. to push for the establishment of January 2 as National Motivation and Inspiration Day.
On September 11, 2001, the United States was a victim of coordinated terrorist attacks by the militant terrorist group known as al-Qaeda. These attacks led to the death of almost 3,000 Americans, and the entire country was in a state of mourning and grief. McCrudden advocated the creation of a special day for motivation and inspiration after seeing the effect of the 9/11 attacks on people’s morale. He wanted a day to honor the loss, appreciate life, and acknowledge the importance of motivation and inspiration in our daily lives. He said that through all the loss, grief, and despair after the tragic events of 9/11, he saw Americans working side-by-side to accomplish amazing things. Every year, Motivate America chooses a few Americans to be recipients of The American Motivation Awards, which honors motivational, inspirational, and patriotic leaders in America.
On December 18, 2001, the U.S. Congress passed a bill, “H.Res.308,” making National Motivation and Inspiration Day official in the United States. The U.S. Congress agreed that motivation and inspiration played important roles in the greatest achievements of civilized society and that the beginning of the year was the perfect time for reflection, planning, and goal setting.
Motivation and Inspiration Day timeline
The terrorist group al-Qaeda sets off four fatal attacks in the United States of America.
The United States Congress officially passes National Motivation and Inspiration Day into law.
The U.S. celebrates the very first official National Motivation and Inspiration Day.
The last American Motivation Award for Person of the Year is given to J. R. Martinez, U.S. Army veteran soldier and burn survivor who is now a motivational speaker himself.
Motivation and Inspiration Day FAQs
Are motivation and inspiration the same thing?
Motivation and inspiration are often used interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing. Inspiration is more internal, while motivation is external. When a person is inspired, they have felt something inside that makes them want to act. When a person is motivated, an external force has pushed them to want to act.
What are the four types of motivation?
There are four different forms based on whether it is internal or external and whether it pushes a person to take action or not. The types of motivation are: extrinsic (an external source that drives action), identified (an external source that doesn’t cause action), intrinsic (an internal source that pushes action), and introjected (an internal source that doesn’t cause action).
How does music inspire you?
Music and songs have the unique ability to create emotional responses in people. In fact, music therapy exists in medicine, and it is the clinical use of music to accomplish goals within a therapeutic relationship with a licensed therapy professional.
How to Observe Motivation and Inspiration Day
Set some realistic goals
One reason we keep letting go of our new year resolutions is we don’t set achievable goals. On National Motivation and Inspiration Day, set a realistic goal and outline all the steps you’d take towards achieving it. If you plan to make a lot of money during the year, write out all you need to do to get those dollars into your bank account.
Appreciate someone who has inspired you
National Motivation and Inspiration Day is the perfect day to show some gratitude to someone who has inspired you directly or indirectly throughout your life. Write them a thoughtful “thank you” note or appreciate them with a gift. Be sure to tell them how grateful you are for their influence in your life.
Check something off your bucket list
It doesn’t have to be something big – it could just be a daily goal like taking out the trash. Just pick something you’ve been putting off doing for some time and finally do it. If you want to learn a new language, download a language learning app or sign up for a class.
5 Ways To Motivate Yourself
Do some quiet meditation
Meditating for just 20 minutes can give you enough motivation to sustain you for weeks.
Watch a motivational movie
From “The Pursuit of Happiness” to “Rocky,” many movies can be a source of motivation because they show underdogs achieving extraordinary goals and overcoming challenges.
Watch a TED Talk
There are tons of TED Talks out there where powerful speakers explain how to get motivated, stay motivated, and achieve set goals.
Create a vision board
Vision boards help you visualize your goals by drawing roadmaps to achieve them.
Listen to motivational music
You can get inspired by listening to heart-thumping music that makes you want to get up and get moving.
Why Motivation and Inspiration Day is Important
It reminds us to keep our new year resolutions
We all know how easy it is to write down our new year resolutions and how much harder it is to actually stick to them. Well, National Motivation and Inspiration Day encourages you to set realistic plans to meet your resolutions.
It celebrates life
National Motivation and Inspiration Day is a celebration of life. It teaches us to find inspiration and keep moving even in times of pain and grief.
We love seeing dreams come true
You know all those goals and dreams you’ve tossed aside because it seems like they’re impossible to achieve? National Motivation and Inspiration Day reminds us that no goal is too big and no dream is impossible. So, get up and get working on those huge dreams of yours.
Motivation and Inspiration Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 2 | Thursday |
| 2026 | January 2 | Friday |
| 2027 | January 2 | Saturday |
| 2028 | January 2 | Sunday |
| 2029 | January 2 | Tuesday |
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