Whether you need something to get you in the zone during your commute, or a little pick-me-up throughout the day, this collection of motivational sing-out-loud songs will get you there.
Our mix of golden oldies and guilty pleasures will hold your hand during the tougher days and make the sweet taste of your successful ones that much sweeter.
1. I’m Still Standing – Sir Elton John
Memorable quote:
“Standing better than I ever did. Looking like a true survivor”
Who can hold back from tap-tap-tapping their leg to this addictively upbeat fast-paced 70s classic? No shame in the game. Neither can we! Always remember to embrace your inner child and push through everything life throws at you. And don’t forget to do it while shaking your tail feather!
2. Hall Of Fame – The Script. Will.iam
Memorable quote:
“You can walk straight through hell with a smile”
Just like Pinkie and The Brain, it’s so easy to make plans every night to take over the world tomorrow. There are two types of people: those who talk and those who do. If every journey starts with the first step, put your running shoes on and start. Go on, you may just surprise yourself!
3. Girl On Fire – Alicia Keys
Memorable quote:
“Looks like a girl, but she’s a flame so bright, she can burn your eyes”
#1 Fact: Ugly little gremlins of self-doubt talk you out of doing things. Sure, it’s never a good idea to jump straight into something unprepared but dancing to the beat of your own drum is key in the success of your vision. Why? Because, if you don’t believe in it how can we? FYI, one foot planted firmly on the ground is enough.
4. If You’re Going Through Hell – Rodney Atkins
Memorable quote:
“There’s angels everywhere out on the street holdin’ out a hand to pull you back up on your feet”
Some days it feels like no matter what you do, you just can’t win. Nothing’s gone right since your toast fell butter-side down on the floor this morning? Keep a strong mind and push through it! Besides, you never know. You may just end up meeting some good samaritans along the way. A win-win.
5. Simply The Best – Tina Turner
Memorable quote:
“You’re simply the best, better than all the rest. Better than anyone, anyone I ever met”
We all occasionally need a little reminder that we’re the cat’s pyjamas. Well. Have we got news for you. You’re a hot-pink-onesie in a sea of washed-out greyish-white old granny style nighties. And don’t you ever forget it! When you do (we all have those days), let Tina give you a little pep talk!
6. Brave – Sara Bareilles
Memorable quote:
“Everybody’s been stared down by the enemy. Fallen for the fear and done some disappearing”
If the beat reminds you of a Military Cadence then you’re not alone. From now on, refer to this as your very own call-and-response work song. Everybody needs a cheerleader and Sara is only too happy to oblige. So let her words of encouragement seep in and get ready to kick some butt.
7. Fight Song – Rachel Platten
Memorable quote:
“And I don’t really care if nobody else believes ’cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me”
This powerful-sing-out-loud tune was inspired by a trying period in Sara’s career. Frustrated by things that made her feel she would never even be given a chance. She defiantly sings that YOU have to believe in yourself. Always. Besides, “better to be at the bottom of a ladder you want to climb, than halfway up one you don’t.”
8. Fighter – Christina Aguilera
Memorable quote:
“Cause it makes me that much stronger. Makes me work a little bit harder”
Just come out of a frustrating and disheartening meeting? Here’s our top tip: change your mentality and the vocabulary you use when referring to such experiences. Did someone shower you with negativity? Look in that mirror and sing this power-anthem right back at your reflection and say Thank You. You just made me a better person.
9. You Gotta Be – Des’ree
Memorable quote:
“Challenge what the future holds. Try and keep your head up to the sky”
Never rest on your laurels. Maybe you’ll be pushed to your limits and even shed a few tears along the way but never stop reimagining your tomorrows for a better one. You can’t control what may happen but you sure as heck can change the way you respond to it.
10. Walking On Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
Memorable quote:
“I’m walking on sunshine. And don’t it feel good!”
Feeling good? So get up, dance and sing your little heart out! You deserve it you hard-working-small-business-badass-boss, you!
11. You Can’t Touch This – MC Hammer
Memorable quote:
“You can’t touch this oh-oh oh oh-oh-oh”
Let’s face it. Yes. You could’ve taken the easy road and “worked for the man”. Thankfully for your clients you didn’t. Don’t ever forget that. Someone is making you feel less than? It’s time to dance and sing this classic loudly in their face as you sidestep away quicker than you can say Hammer Time.
12. I Am What I Am – Gloria Gaynor
Memorable quote:
“It’s one life and there’s no return and no deposit”
Never compromise your integrity. Never apologize for being who and what you are. Ever. Period.
13. Roar – Katy Perry
Memorable quote:
“Dancing through the fire, ’cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar!”
Naturally as small business owners, we are our business. The buck stops with us. However this doesn’t mean you have to put up with any old nonsense. Command respect and ye shall receive. Be your own hero and yeah, they’re gonna hear you ROAR.
14. We Are The Champions – Queen
Memorable quote:
“I consider it a challenge before the whole human race and I ain’t gonna lose”
Sure. You ain’t perfect. You make mistakes. Who doesn’t? The important thing is no matter how you feel or what is going on in your personal life, you’ve never thrown in the towel! We ain’t got time for losers, we’re too busy being champions.
15. It’s A Great Day To Be Alive – Travis Tritt
Memorable quote:
“And it’s a great day to be alive. I know the sun’s still shining when I close my eyes”
Time to turn the sound up to Max, clear your throat and sing as loudly as you can. If you’re really in the zone then dust off your air guitar and drum set. No? Oh, we see. Today is a pity party? Did our invite get lost in the post? No. No way José. You are far too fabulous for that. Dust yourself off (literally, if you’re covered in flour) and FAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT.
16. Sunshine – Matisyahu
Memorable quote:
“Reach for the sky, keep your eye on the prize”
It’s important to surround yourself with good people, family and/or friends who are there for you; giving you honest constructive feedback and advice. Here’s to all the champions in our lives!
17. Hold On – Wilson Phillips
Memorable quote:
“Lettin’ your worries pass you by don’t you think it’s worth your time to change your mind?”
Change your mindset. As corny as it may sound. YOU are the master of your own destiny. The rest will follow. We promise. Besides tomorrow will be better.
Repeat x 10: The glass is half full.
18. Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life – Monty Python
Memorable quote:
“Don’t grumble, give a whistle and this’ll help things turn out for the best”
So you’ve repeated your new mantra ten times but it’s not quite cutting the mustard as it usually does? Well then. The only thing you can do is accept defeat: whistle this tune and laugh as loud as is humanly possible! It has been scientifically proven that even fake smiles will improve your mood ASAP.
19. Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon Jovi
Memorable quote:
“Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear. Woah, livin’ on a prayer”
Writer’s block. Hitting the wall. All disciplines have a saying that describes that moment when you just can’t mentally or physically go on. But not you. Not today. Not now. Not ever.
20. Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
Memorable quote:
“Here comes the sun. Here comes the sun”
Oh dear. It’s been a tough few [Fill In The Gap]. Well, turn this absolute belter of a song up and visualize the good times that are on their way! Just as sure as the sun rises so will your new dawn.
21. Best Day Of My Life – American Authors
Memorable quote:
“This is gonna be the best day of my life my li-i-i-i-i-ife!”
Some days as a small business owner are just so amazing you want to sing it from the rooftops! Probably not advisable, unless you’re Dick Van Dyke (Lin Manuel for the Millennials reading) and an Edwardian Chimney Sweep from London town. Huzzah for today! Absorb this unapologetically upbeat tune. This is gonna be the BEST day of your life. (PS: and so will tomorrow..)
22. My Shot – Lin Manuel Miranda
Memorable quote:
“I’m young, scrappy and hungry and I’m not throwing away my shot”
We only live once. It would be a freakin’ Greek Tragedy if you didn’t grab your chance to do whatever you want with your life and your business. Just like Hamilton, you’re not going to throw away your shot!
23. Shake It Off -Taylor Swift
Memorable quote:
“Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake. I shake it off, I shake it off”
Goodbye haters and naysayer-Debbie Downers. You, my friends, are part of the long history of movers and shakers who put their blood, sweat, and tears where their mouths are. The world (of business) was built on Yesses, not Nos.
24. From Now On – Hugh Jackman
Memorable quote:
“From now on, what’s waited till tomorrow starts tonight”
Never fall into the dangerous psychological trap of believing in your own hype. This has nothing to do with self-belief and everything to do with the Ego. Don’t be your own worst (#1) enemy. Be your best ally and always act accordingly.
25. Don’t Rain On My Parade – Barbara Streisand
Memorable quote:
“One throw, that bell will go clang. Eye on the target and wham”
Long before Miss Swift was telling the “haters” where to go, good ole Babs warned everyone around her to not rain on her parade. Got negative things to tell us? Talk to the hand ‘cos our face just ain’t listenin’.
26. Stronger – Kelly Clarkson
Memorable quote:
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Stand a little taller”
Stay Calm And Carry On. Kelly and we can both agree: what hasn’t killed you this far has without a doubt created the strong-willed and courageously brave entrepreneur that you are today. Life has molded you. Some days were testing and you passed with flying colors. You are no longer the ingenue you were in High school.
27. Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley
Memorable quote:
“Never gonna give you up. Never gonna let you down. Never gonna run around and desert you”
We just want you to know that just like Rick, we here at vcita are here for you. Always. Need some advice, information, or want to suggest a new feature? Don’t keep it to yourself! Talk to us. Disclaimer: In case of emergency we may even provide the cheesy 80s/dad dance moves.
28. Gold – Spandau Ballet
Memorable quote:
“You’ve got the power to know you’re indestructible”
Who hasn’t dreamed of the opening credits of Ducktales when Scrooge McDuck jumps into his swimming pool of gold coins (Now that we think of it, Ouch! Bruise-o-rama). Along with the slightly questionable official Spandau video, the big “take away” from our favorite 80’s Britpop group is that just like Gold You Are Indestructible. So Always believe it.
29. Freedom– George Michael.
Memorable quote:
“Freedom. I won’t let you down. Freedom. So please don’t give me up”
Having an amazing day? Thank The Lord that you opened your business! Or is it one of those more trying days? Why did I open my small business blah blah blah. One word guys. One word: Freedom. Nobody tells you what to do*. (Snaps fingers*)
30. If It Makes You Happy – Sheryl Crow
Memorable quote:
“If it makes you happy. It can’t be that bad. If it makes you happy”
Your job is what makes you happy. You wouldn’t have opened your business if that weren’t the truth at its very core. Even on your worst day. It really isn’t that bad.
31. Ironic – Alanis Morissette
Memorable quote:
“Life has a funny way of helping you out when you think everything’s gone wrong”
Bad timing and irony pervade everyone’s lives. Get used to it. One thing’s for sure. You’re not alone. Believe us. You know what to do. Turn that volume up and sing out loud until all’s right with the world! We get you. We’ve been there. Got the T-shirt and survived to tell (or in this case “sing”) the tale. At least it’s not just you. Right?
32. Something Inside So Strong – Labi Siffre
Memorable quote:
“Just look’em in the eyes and say: I’m gonna do it anyway”
Chin up. Never ever underestimate yourself. Never ever give up! As motivational speaker, Les Brown, always insists: You have greatness within you. Digest It. Remember it. Believe it. Embody it. Everything else will fall into place.
33. Razzle Dazzle – Richard Gere
Memorable quote:
“Give ’em an act with lots of flash in it and the reaction will be passionate”
Every Small business owner must have this in their arsenal of tactics. Razzle Dazzle’em and you’ll have your clients, and anyone else come to that, eating out of the palm of your hand.
It’s a Wrap!
Whether you’re having a great day or a day that’s perhaps a little more trying than you would like, you have most certainly “GOT THIS”.
So buckle up and enjoy the ride. And don’t forget, any great journey needs a great soundtrack! If even songs don’t motivate you, then maybe it’s time to change your workday and try to work online part-time.
