We’ve all been there: you have a big event coming up where you have to go all out and do your best. Maybe you have to perform a song or a dance number, or perform in a championship game, or maybe just do really well on a final exam. No matter what you have to do, you’re really nervous, and probably having some doubts about whether you’ll ace this big challenge.
Have no fear: there is a playlist for that. These songs were made to motivate, and hopefully, while you’re singing and dancing along, you’ll start to believe they were made to motivate you personally. At the very least, they’ll distract from the butterflies flapping furiously around your stomach.
This playlist is also available on Spotify — listen now!
1. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA This song is probably better for the ladies since not many gentlemen will be motivated by being told they’re a “dancing queen,” but the combination of the piano, synthesizers, and trilling voices of Swedish songstresses can’t help but buoy even the heaviest of spirits. Obviously, this classic is perfect for dancers who really need to pull out all the stops during a special performance.
2. “Son’s Gonna Rise” by Citizen Cope Yes, this song is about a guy comforting his wife while she’s giving birth. No, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a listen. Just mentally substitute “son” for “sun” and the first lines of the chorus, “The son’s gonna rise in a mile/In a mile, you’ll be feeling fine” can apply to any situation where grinning and bearing the pain will bring hearty rewards (a track meet or any kind of endurance test comes to mind here).
3. “Who’s That Chick? (feat. Rihanna)” by David Guetta Again, this is another song that’s probably more appropriate for the ladies, but the infectious beat and chorus are mighty hard to resist. Even if you don’t pay attention to the lyrics about a girl wowing the club with her dance moves, just dancing to this gem will kick up that adrenaline just in time for your moment to shine.
4. “Shake it Out” by Florence + the Machine The title says it all. This soaring number from their latest album, Ceremonials, is all about letting go of negative feelings so you can move on and have the time of your life. You can’t really dance to it, but the epic drum beats and Florence Welch’s powerhouse vocals could give anyone the rush they need to go out and get ‘em.
5. “Loser Like Me” by the cast of Glee There really is no other motivational song like this one. There are few things better in life than proving “haters” wrong by showing off your awesome talents and skills. This song is for anyone who dreams of becoming famous and ignoring old bullies who are suddenly begging for your approval, which should be just about everyone.
6. “Lift Off (feat Beyoncé)” by Jay-Z and Kanye West For the hip-hop fans among you, this song from two of the genre’s greatest artists is perfect for getting ready for that moment in the spotlight. The opening trumpets-and- drums number wouldn’t be out of place in a classic action movie, maybe just before the part where the hero is about to risk his life to save the country. Listen to this song and let your inner action hero be channeled.
7. “If You’re Out There” by John Legend This one is especially good for the aspiring philanthropists and do-gooders among us, since it is all about taking ownership of changing the world and getting others to do so as well. So, if you’re having doubts about whether little ol’ you can make a difference, read about Mahatma Gandhi and then listen to this song.
8. “Firework” by Katy Perry Really, what motivational playlist would be complete without “Firework”? Great for any situation where you’re feeling like a waste of space or a plastic bag, the music video is also inspiring. Its message is true: we all have that special spark in us, so turn on this song and watch it light up!
9. “And We Danced” by Macklemore Macklemore burst onto the hip-hop scene last fall with the hilarious music video for this goofy yet irresistible song about the world’s best dance party, which happened simply by everyone dancing their butt off, despite complaints from neighbors. Unlike some of the other songs on this list, this one is definitely more male-centric, but rarely has the clichéd message of “dancing like nobody is watching” come across better.
10.“Good Life” by OneRepublic Sometimes, life seems like a challenge in of itself. For days when you feel that way, “Good Life” is your solution. This song is about appreciating what you have, and even if you don’t appreciate it at the moment, the words “This is gonna be a good life” are enough to make you believe they’re true. And they are.