10 Songs That Will Keep You Motivated for Success

Some songs are made for laying about, staring at the ceiling, and contemplating the tragedies of life. As heart-wrenching or warming as those songs may be, they don't tend to help you power through your life and get yourself going. Sometimes, you need an upbeat, confident soundtrack for success to get you through those high-pressure days and give you the motivation to do what you need to do. Here are some of those songs that will keep you motivated for success, whatever difficult tasks you may have to face.

Since their early days of emo-pop-punk glory, Fall Out Boy has been a source of endless energy, able to bring about fierce emotions in all of us. Whether you're a fan or not, you surely remember hits like "Dance, Dance" and "Thnks fr th Mmrs." With their 2015 hit release "Centuries" though, which samples the classic Suzanne Vega song "Tom's Diner," the beloved group took their game to a whole new level, bringing us an anthem of confidence that bring about an insatiable desire to succeed, and to be remembered.

Choice lyrics:

Some legends are toldSome turn to dust or to goldBut you will remember meRemember me, for centuries

Imagine Dragons has brought us a host of motivational songs, from "On Top of the World" to "Thunder" to their latest hit, "Natural." The Las Vegas-based band specializes in anthems of success and hard work. While all of these may count as songs that will keep you motivated for success, none compares to their hit "Whatever It Takes" when it comes to helping you push through the hard work ahead, to get where you want to be.

Choice lyrics (chorus):

Whatever it takes'Cause I love the adrenaline in my veinsI do whatever it takes'Cause I love how it feels when I break the chainsWhatever it takesYou take me to the top I'm ready forWhatever it takes'Cause I love the adrenaline in my veinsI do what it takes

The iconic soundtrack to 8 Mile brought listeners the equally iconic track "Lose Yourself," a gritty but inspiring rap about pushing through hard times and fighting for success, something that we all need to be reminded of when facing obstacles in our lives. The track is a perfect pick-me-up for the moments when hard work seems simply too hard, a reminder of the intrinsic value in that work, and a further reminder to always keep sight of your goals and dreams.

Choice lyrics:

You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blowThis opportunity comes once in a lifetime, yoYou better lose yourself in the musicThe moment, you own it, you better never let it go

When you need a song to simply lift you up on top of the world and remind you of your own power, Sia's "Unstoppable" has you covered. It's a song that will keep you motivated for success simply by pumping pure confidence through your veins, with an upbeat tempo to give you the energy to push through whatever tasks you face, whether it be training for a race or event, getting ready for an important presentation, or just mentally preparing yourself for the day.

Choice lyrics:

I'm unstoppableI'm a Porsche with no brakesI'm invincibleYeah, I win every single gameI'm so powerful

Much like Sia's "Unstoppable," Alicia Keys' "Girl on Fire" is an anthem of confidence, a reminder of the potential that lingers at your fingertips, waiting for you to make something of it. Success in any field may take certain amounts of skill, talent, and hard work, but, more importantly, it takes the right attitude and mindset. With enough confidence and self-assurance pumping through your veins, you can take on the world.

Choice lyrics:

Looks like a girl, but she's a flameSo bright, she can burn your eyesBetter look the other wayYou can try but you'll never forget her nameShe's on top of the world

Life can be tough, but you can be tougher. And that's what success truly is: Facing down the difficulties in life with courage. Not fearlessness, not naivety, but courage despite how difficult the world can be, despite whatever fears you may have. That's a message we all need when we prepare to take on the world, because luck will only get you so far, and the path of least resistance is one that leads, at best, to mediocrity.

Choice lyrics (all of them are good, but in particular):

Well I know what's rightI got just one lifeIn a world that keeps on pushin' me aroundBut I stand my groundAnd I won't back down

Kelly Clarkson has recently made a triumphant return to music, and we're recognizing that revival as emblematic of the artist's strength of will. Whether you're getting back into the world after a relationship breaks your heart, or striving against adversity to thrive in the face of any hardships, Kelly Clarkson's anthem of independence and strength is a must-have on any playlist of songs that will keep you motivated for success. At the end of the day, even when things feel truly dismal and hopeless, the fight itself makes you stronger, more powerful, and ready to take on the next obstacle.

Choice lyrics:

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, strongerJust me, myself, and IWhat doesn't kill you makes you strongerStand a little tallerDoesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

When coffee isn't replenishing your exhausted energy stores, it may be time to add on a relentless, driving beat to keep your speed and energy up. Daft Punk's "Harder Better Faster Stronger" was made for this purpose, to open up your eyes and increase your energy, to offer a steady soundtrack to drive your work. When you need to take the daily grind and turn it into a montage of dedication, motivation, and success, this is a jam you can't skip.

Choice lyrics:

Work it harder, make it betterDo it faster, makes us strongerMore than ever, hour after hourWork is never over

David Bowie, king of feelings both good and bad, is a necessary addition to your motivational playlist. The ultimate hit, "Heroes," is a soaring track that will have you inspired to do not only anything, but everything. After a few recommendations for songs by Bowie in your life, you'll have no trouble finding the determination to succeed, to rise above whatever comes your way, and to ultimately be remembered for years to come.

Choice lyrics:

I, I will be kingAnd you, you will be queenThough nothing, will drive them awayWe can beat them, just for one dayWe can be heroes, just for one day

When you need to feel some power coursing through your veins, to get out of the rut of everyday life, "Now or Never" will crank up your energy and motivation. It's a kick in the pants, a song to get you off the couch and back to work, creating a world you want to live in and a life you can be proud of. It's now or never.

Choice lyrics:

Or do we sit here wonderingWhy this world isn't turning 'roundIt’s now or neverIn this way are we learningOr do we sit here yearningFor this world to stop turning 'roundIt’s now or never