I still remember the moment music changed everything for me. My dad brought home a VHS tape filled with MTV music videos, and there it was—Roxette’s “Dangerous.” From the first electric guitar riff to Marie Fredriksson’s powerful vocals, I was completely hooked. That Swedish pop duo opened a door to a world where music wasn’t just background noise—it was energy, emotion, and pure joy captured in melody.

That discovery led me down a path of Swedish pop brilliance: ABBA’s infectious optimism and countless other artists who understood something fundamental about music’s purpose. They knew that the right song at the right moment could change your entire day, your mood, even your life.

The Science of Musical Motivation

There’s real power in those upbeat melodies and driving rhythms we love. When we listen to music that moves us, our brains release dopamine. It’s the same feel-good chemical associated with eating our favorite foods or achieving a goal. This isn’t just a pleasant side effect; it’s music actively rewiring our mental state for the better.

We all have those songs that can instantly shift our energy. Maybe it’s “The Look” by Roxette that makes you feel confident and ready to take on the world. Perhaps it’s Madonna’s “Ray of Light” that lifts you into a transcendent state of pure possibility—that entire album is pure gold, as is her Confessions album, which never fails to energize and inspire.

The key is recognizing which songs do this for you and using them intentionally. Feeling sluggish in the morning? Queue up something energetic. Facing a challenging task? Put on music that makes you feel powerful. Need to shake off a bad mood? Nothing beats a song that makes you want to dance in your kitchen.

I’ve learned to curate different playlists for different needs. My “get stuff done” playlist features upbeat pop that keeps my energy high without being distracting. And my pure joy playlist? That’s loaded with songs that never fail to make me smile (see my current playlist below).

Music as Your Daily Motivator

Athletes have their pump-up songs. Entrepreneurs have their power anthems. Students have their focus soundtracks. They understand that music isn’t just for leisure, it’s a tool for becoming your best self.

Start your day with music that energizes you. When Roxette’s “Joyride” tells you “Hello, you fool, I love you,” it’s hard not to feel optimistic about the day ahead. Use music to transition between activities—a calming song after a stressful meeting, an upbeat one before a presentation. End your day with something that brings you peace or makes you smile.

The beauty of music as a motivational tool is that it’s always available. You don’t need special equipment, training, or preparation. You just need to press play.

Finding Your Musical Joy

If you haven’t yet discovered your musical passion, start exploring. Maybe dance and electric pop will speak to you the way it speaks to me. Maybe you’ll find your joy in classic rock, jazz, hip-hop, country, or electronic music. The genre doesn’t matter. What matters is finding the music that lights you up inside.

Listen widely and without judgment. Pay attention to how different songs make you feel. Notice which artists consistently lift your mood or energize you. Build your collection of musical joy deliberately. Expand it and let it grow. (Yes, Taylor Swift haters, I’m looking at you.)

And don’t be afraid to revisit old favorites. There’s a reason I keep coming back to those MTV videos that captivated me as a kid. Those songs are more than nostalgia, they’re reliable sources of joy, proven motivators, and reminders of who I am at my core.

The Transformation Continues

Music changed my life the day I discovered Roxette on that VHS tape, but the transformation didn’t end there. Every new song I connect with, every artist I discover, every moment when the perfect song arrives at the perfect time. These experiences continue to shape my life, lift my spirits, and push me forward.

That’s the real power of music: it’s not a one-time revelation but an ongoing source of motivation and joy. It’s always there when you need it, ready to change your mood, boost your energy, and remind you that life is meant to be celebrated.

So, turn up the volume on whatever brings you joy. Let music be your motivator, your mood lifter, your companion through life’s ups and downs. Because when you harness the power of music intentionally, you’re not just listening- you’re transforming every day into something more vibrant, more energized, and more joyful.

Press play. Feel the difference. And never underestimate what the right song can do.

My Current Playlist

Want to know what’s motivating me right now? Here’s what’s on repeat:

1. “Ray of Light” by Madonna – Transcendent and transformative, this is where motivation meets spirituality
2. “Rust” by Ben Böhmer – Atmospheric and uplifting, perfect for finding flow
3. “Lost” by The Lightning Kids – Pure synth-driven energy that never gets old
4. “Nirvana” by Elliana – Ethereal and empowering in all the right ways
5. “Daydreaming” by Bunny X – Takes me to another headspace entirely
6. “I Believe in You” by Ladytron – That driving electronic beat keeps me moving forward
7. “Ooh La La” by Goldfrapp – Sophisticated and infectious, impossible not to feel good
8. “Bittersweet” by Madison Beer – Captures those complex emotions while keeping you moving
9. “Zombie” by Yungblud – Raw energy and attitude, perfect for when you need that edge
10. “Walking on a Dream” by Empire of the Sun (BLOND:ISH Remix) – Euphoric and dreamy, the perfect closer that leaves you floating

Each of these tracks brings something different to my day, but they all share one thing in common: they transform how I feel and what I can accomplish. That’s the magic we’re all chasing—music that doesn’t just play in the background but actively shapes our experience of life.