What is the difference between intention and motivation?

Daniel Kim, studied at Seoul National University

I think there will be different answers that are all equally valid when considered from different domains.  My answer is probably more philosophy related, even though I'm not sure if that is why my answer seems to be so different from everyone elses.

But for me, intention is a cognitive mental state that is active in nature.  One cannot intend to do something subconscious or unconsciously.  One must have some awareness of the mental state of 'to intend something'. 
On the other hand, motivation is a non-cognitive mental state that is passive in nature. Passive in the sense that you generally 'attain' motivation rather than 'create' motivation.  Furthermore, it is much more closer (many argue even identical to) desire in the sense that desires are also considered non-cognitive mental states.

John Sannicandro, psychotherapist, coach, self help author, owner mindbodycoach.org

Answered May 18 2015 · Author has 871 answers and 730.9k answer views

There are numerous ways to argue this, many that deal with semantics. In my mind the difference between intention and motivation is action. There is a motivational quote that has been attributed to a lot of different people:

"A goal is a dream with a deadline."

To me this is the difference. It would appear subtle at first, at second glance it's not. Too often we have good intentions that do not get followed up by committed actions. All the "want to" in the world ain't going to get it done. We have to take action.

Again, many ways to answer this question. Just my two cents.