Like most of you, I’m sure, I love music. It plays a huge role in my life: whether I’m at the gym, at home or at the office (oops!), nothing gives me more joy or energy than to listen to my favourite tunes. They perk me up when I’m feeling down or sluggish, give me food for thought when inspiration fails me and egg me on when my motivation flags. In other words, music has had my back in times both high and low and I firmly believe that there is a song or melody out there for pretty much any occasion!
On that note, today I’d like to share my go-to playlist for when I need a little mojo to chase my dreams. You know the score: some days, the will to boldly go after what we want is lacking and we find ourselves uninspired, unmotivated and bored. Ugh! In times like these, there is nothing better than plugging your earphones in, shutting out the world and letting brilliant, uplifting music wash over you. After just a couple of songs (or more, if the doldrums have really hit me), I feel refreshed and raring to go!
The following songs are a mix between good, old-fashioned (and probably more than a little cheesy) pop, rough and ready rap and soulful R&B. What they all have in common, though, is that they will get you pumped to follow your dreams! Ready? Let’s go!
1. Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’
Don’t stop believing / Hold on to that feeling
Don’t Stop Believing by Journey is a bona fide classic and has its place in any motivational playlist. The melody is rousing and the lyrics, uplifting, so press “play” when you’re in need of a boost!
2. Alicia Keys – Empire State Of Mind (Part II) Broken Down
I’mma make it by any means / Got a pocket full of dreams
Alicia Keys’ beautiful rendition of Empire State of Mind (Part II) captures all of the Big Apple’s promise. The soaring vocals coupled with the inspiring words make this song the perfect companion for chasing dreams!
3. Irina Menzel – Let It Go
It’s time to see what I can do / To test the limits and break through
Let It Go is one of my favourite songs of all times, so it isn’t surprising to see it on this list. It’s the perfect song to belt out when you need to muster your strength and face those epic challenges!
4. Iggy Azalea – Impossible Is Nothing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgT5WLqWfF0
I shall never let them see me sweat / Promise to want for more until my very last breath
Iggy Azalea might not be for everyone, but this song never fails to get me pumped up. Hearing her talk about her struggles and her steely will to succeed will definitely motivate you to reach for the stars!
5. Darin Zanyar – Be What You Wanna Be
I know you could reach the top / Make sure that you won’t stop
This song is definitely an acquired taste, but the lyrics contain a rare optimism that’ll have you tapping your feet and raring to go!
6. Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole – Somewhere Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World
Someday I’ll wish upon a star / Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Another classic beautifully rendered by the legendary Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole, this song will open your eyes to the beauty of the world.
7. Eddie Vedder – Rise
Gonna rise up / Turning mistakes into gold
Rise is a glorious ode to adventure penned by none other than Pearl Jam’s own Eddie Vedder for the epic movie Into the Wild. Its rousing, hopeful melody will ignite your wanderlust!
8. R. Kelly – The World’s Greatest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgcovIu3k9o
And I’m that little bit of hope / When my back’s against the rope
This touching ode to Mohammed Ali serves as a reminder that even in the darkest hour, there is still hope. Listen to this song when the going gets tough.
9. Eminem – Lose Yourself
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmXumtgwtak
You only get one shot / Do not miss your chance to blow
Eminem’s Lose Yourself is on a great deal of motivational playlists, and with good reason: it’s a veritable anthem to hard work and a reminder to always seize opportunities as soon as they present themselves to us. Carpe that diem!
10. Katy Perry – Firework
Baby, you’re a firework / Come on, let your colours burst
No motivational playlist is complete without Firework by Katy Perry! This song has been my ally on many a difficult run. Its inspirational lyrics and good, old-fashioned poppy fun never fails to put a smile on my face!
Sometimes, all it takes to put you back on the path to success is the right attitude… and the right song! What is your go-to song to put you in a dream-chasing mood?
Featured photo credit: Pexels via pexels.com
