I’m sure every one of us had a moment where we just held our heads in our hands and accepted defeat. I know we all know what it feels like to be beaten and kicked, and we literally have no energy or will to get back up. I’ve been there more times than I count, honestly.
Well, I’m not saying I have the answers, but I am saying that I have 12 songs that may help you the next time you feel like this. These songs will have you feeling motivated, inspired, and ready to change your perspective. So, without further ado, let’s hear those songs!
1. Fight Song – Rachel Platten (Pop)
I think this is a great song to start this list with because it serves as a simple reminder that we all have a powerful voice that we have a right to use. We can regain control over the chaos in our lives and keep fighting, regardless of what anyone else has to say. Our voices and actions are so powerful, so remember this the next time you feel powerless!
2. Not Afraid – Eminem (Hip Hop / Rap)
In the past, Eminem has been very open about his struggle with drugs, and he uses this song to encourage others. No matter what kind of storm you’re in, be it substance abuse or whatever, this song invites you to look your problems square in the eye and rise above them. You can walk out of any situation standing tall and triumphant!
3. I Love Me – Demi Lovato (Pop)
This is a great song to listen to when you find that you’re being way too hard on yourself. Whether you’re comparing yourself to other people, over-analyzing your flaws, or not giving yourself enough credit for how amazing you are, “I Love Me” will inspire you to, well, love yourself! Not only that, but it teaches us to put yourself first, give yourself grace and room to make mistakes, and love yourself enough to forgive yourself for those mistakes!
4. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor (Rock)
How many of you knew this song would be on here? It’s the perfect song to listen to when you need a boost of motivation! My mom used to listen to this before a bowling tournament, and I used to listen to this right before a big exam in undergrad. This song just gets you so pumped, and it inspires you to fight and push for your dreams — keep your eye on the prize and never give up!
5. Juicy – The Notorious B.I.G (Hip Hop / Rap)
This song is a great choice for this list (thanks Bub!) because it is a swift reminder that where you come from has no dictation on where you end up. You can struggle in the beginning and end up going farther than you could’ve ever imagined. Take the Notorious B.I.G. for example — he started off selling drugs just to make ends meet and his teachers never thought he’d amount to anything. However, he proved to everyone who ever doubted him that he can make it big, and he did. Let this be a lesson to you that you can go far no matter how you start!
6. Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) – Kelly Clarkson (Pop)
This is the perfect song for getting over an old fling who hurt you and thought you’d be nothing without them, so I’m including this song in this list! I’m sure we all know someone like this who has the sick pleasure of breaking someone in every way possible just to see them ache. Well, blast this song and remind yourself that you are a WINNER and you will NOT be broken! You may have setbacks, of course, but as long as you “come back swinging”, you’ll be good as gold!
7. JUST LIKE YOU – NF (Hip Hop / Rap)
NF is a really amazing rapper who has such positive messages in his songs, and this song is no exception. Mental health issues and insecurities can sometimes get the best of us, but it’s so important to remember that you’re not alone in these thoughts and feelings. NF uses this song to highlight one important thing: we have to rely on each other for support and not let our thoughts poison us and trick us into thinking we don’t matter. We do not have to struggle alone!
8. Almost There – Anika Noni Rose (Jazz)
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. “Really, Jasmine? A Disney song??” YES, a Disney song from the amazing movie The Princess and the Frog is on this list. Hear me out! Tiana’s dream is to open her own restaurant in New Orleans, and this catchy song comes at the very moment that her dreams are about to come true…sort of. No spoilers here, just in case you haven’t seen the movie. Tiana puts in the time, effort, and energy to see her dreams come to fruition, and is set on not letting anything or anyone stop her from seeing those goals that she set for herself through to the end. This song motivates us to keep going until we see the final product of our hard work!
9. Skyscraper – Demi Lovato (Pop)
I love Demi Lovato, so I just had to put another song by them on this list. It’s no secret that Demi has had some struggles in their life, and when this song was released in 2011, Demi touched millions of people who were going through their own battles too. Now, 10 years later, this song still serves as a beacon of hope. No matter what you are going through or how much it may seem like there’s no end, trust me, there is an end to it.
10. Evolution – Joyner Lucas (Hip Hop / Rap)
This song is a great reminder to constantly look for ways to improve yourself or your circumstances in life. Your journey in life should be a constant evolution cycle where you’re growing where you’re going and elevating yourself to higher levels and higher standards. Also, to add my own little tidbit here, know that you are worth the effort of evolution and the journey to growth. Love yourself enough to seek growth in all aspects of your life! (Okay, I’m done preaching lol).
11. Jesus Can Work It Out Feat. Dianne Williams – Live (Gospel)
Speaking of preaching, y’all know I had to put a gospel song on here. Some of the most motivational songs I know are gospel songs, and this one here is one of my mom’s favorite songs. If you’re not a believer, then that’s okay! Feel free to move on to the last entry on the list. If you are a believer, then this song will have you shedding all of your problems at the door! This song will encourage you to give your problems to God when your back is against the wall because He can handle them. He can guide you and help you through so that you never go through anything else alone!
12. One Day – Logic feat. Ryan Tedder (Hip Hop / Rap)
Last but not least, ‘One Day’ is an excellent song for this list because it reminds you to keep your dreams alive and never lose sight of them. Even when things get tough, keep doing what you love as long as it brings you joy (and doesn’t hurt anyone). The road to your dreams may be bumpy and it won’t always be straight and narrow, but you will see your dreams come to fruition with hard work and dedication, and you’ll be so proud of the person you have become on the way to accomplishing your dreams! What a great song to end this list!
Isn’t the power of music truly remarkable? With just one song you can go from feeling like you’re at the end of your rope to feeling like you’re ready to conquer the world! So, next time you feel like you need a little boost of inspiration or motivation, I hope you listen to one of these songs and feel like you can do anything 🙂 .
Did I miss any good songs for this list? Be sure to let me and my readers know in the comments what songs you like to listen to when you need a boost!
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”
– Plato
Love the picks. So eclectic. The genre variation is so refreshing. Keep up the great work!!
9 and 12 are my favorites. But all songs from your list are amazing!
So glad you enjoyed the list and that you found some of your favorites on here. Thanks so much for reading!
Really like stronger & skyscraper. Great list
This is an awesome collection of songs! I already have a few of them on my motivational playlist but now I’ll be adding a few more. Thanks!
Yay! So glad you’re adding more to your list :). Thanks for reading!
Love the variety though I personally HATE the Joyner Lucas song, Evolution…I always thumbs down it on my playlists. But the rest were awesome. Love how you added the Disney song from The Princess and the Frog & the Gospel song Jesus can Work it out…how fun. I do wish you would add some more diversity like harder rock to this list like Skillet, their songs really get me going.
Also not going to lie, I listen to The Greatest Showman soundtrack while working out and it always gets me moving!
I understand completely, not every song is for everyone. There are loads of songs that could go on this list, but I didn’t want to make this too long. Thanks for reading.
Great songs, I only heard couple of these songs. It really is inspiring music when we listen to it. Thank you for sharing!
I’m always glad to introduce new music to people, as I enjoy songs from all genres. Each genre offers something new and different, which is so exciting! Thanks for reading!
I love all the songs, but the most I love is No. 1. So relaxing and motivating. Thank you for this wonderful sharing.❤️
Yay! I’m glad you enjoy the first one — thank you for reading!
Great choices and it’s a wonderful songlist that I would enjoy while on my way to somewhere, thanks for the list! – Knycx Journeying
I’m so glad you enjoyed the songs on my list. Thanks so much for reading!
music from Rocky always boosts me and pushes me greatly.
Yes! I surprisingly have never seen the movie franchise just yet, but everyone knows that song lol. Thanks for reading!
Eye of the tiger is one of my fave classics. Yes, I do have that playlist for days that need a little picking u and dusting off. Will be adding some of these to my list for sure
That song gets me pumped like no other lol. Thanks for reading!
Will totally add all of these up in my playlists. We all need motivation especially during this pandemic. thanks!
We certainly need more positivity during this pandemic. I’m so glad that you’re adding some of these songs to your list! Thanks for reading!
What an amazing variety – something for every mood. Although my list would like quite different, it was very interesting to read what made you pick these tunes. Rock on!
So many songs to choose from! I’m definitely curious as to which songs you would include in your list!
I like there is a mixture of genres and eras in this playlist. I been listening to the soundtrack for “The Princess and the Frog” recently, very inspiring.
Music can be so healing and empowering. Thank you for reminding me of that through this post❤️
I sometimes forget how powerful music can be in changing our mood as well. It’s amazing! Thanks so much for reading!
Skyscraper is my jam! I love to sing that song, but Kelly Clarkson’s “stronger” will always be the song to get me pumped up and out of my funk. Because what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger and makes me stand a little bit taller!
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nothing like a good song with some relatable lyrics that make you say, “You know what? Let’s turn this day around!” Thanks so much for reading!