Playlist for Days When I Don’t Feel Like Myself

Everyone has those days when you think to yourself, “what on earth am I doing?!” when you ponder everything and wonder if you’re on the right path.

When you march to the beat of your own drum, it can be tough to clear your head to focus on your goals while everyone else around you appears to be singing a different tune. I often feel like I am failing…at everything. The pressures of the world easily make me lose sight of myself-causing my motivation to fizzle.

Then, a good song comes on and shifts that mindset. It changes your mood and inspires you to keep going or to change course in the right direction. Music causes you to think about things in a productive way without even realizing it. It erases your worries, if only temporarily. Music is magic that way.

Here’s a list of my go-to songs to help me feel motivated and inspired on the days when I’m being particularly hard on myself and not feeling like me-for the days when I’m not sure where I fit in in this world.

Read on to see why I chose the songs I did!

The Kooks – Be Who You Are

Okay, would it really be MY playlist if there wasn’t at least one Kooks song? I can find one for every occasion. This particular song reminds me of myself inspires me to stay true to who I am to be the person I want to be. (Also, Luke’s voice when he sings ‘lately, I’ve been feeling…‘)

Butch Walker – My Way

I have a hard time ignoring external opinions and often allow them to get to me, which makes me question my own instincts. This song helps me get into “fuck it” mode to focus on doing what I want.

The Beatles – Get Back

I could also find a Beatles song for every occasion. The guitar riff alone in this song instantly lifts my mood and has me tapping my feet. Many of their songs will do that for me, but something about Get Back improves my mood like no other.

Aurora – Warrior

Oh man, Aurora’s voice alone is enough to make me feel like I can conquer anything. It’s so hauntingly beautiful. The lyrics to this song, combined with her voice and the drum beat are enough to make me feel like a warrior myself.

Misterwives – Machine

This song has become somewhat of an anthem for me. I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m sick of feeling the pressure to live a conventional cookie cutter life. The message is loud and clear in this one and I’m here for it. It inspires me to not give a damn about what everyone thinks life should be.

The Happy Fits- Dirty Imbecile

I love this song. It’s so upbeat and I’m guilty of singing along to it multiple times in a row. I love the “I am what I am” vibes it gives off and the rawness in the lyrics.

The Hours – Ali in the Jungle

This song fell off my radar for awhile until I randomly recalled it on a day I was feeling particularly down and having a bit of a pity party. It’s a great reminder of people who beat the odds to accomplish great things. It’s catchy too, which makes it all the more motivating!

Miike Snow – Animal

On any given day, this song seems to encompass a lot of what I am feeling. The line ‘Are you free or are you tied up?’ always causes me to reevaluate what I’m doing and lights a fire in me.

Judah and the Lion – Suit and Jacket

This is one of the few songs the radio played far too often and I still somehow enjoy. I too struggle with the pressures to live a certain way and don’t want to sacrifice things to abide the norm. This song reminds me that I’m not the only one who feels this way…and it’s lots of fun to sing in the car.

Tom Petty – Won’t Back Down

Hey, if Tom won’t back down, neither will I . A classic to motivate you to keep chugging along even when it’s hard. Watching the video especially boosts my mood on a rough day. I love me some Ringo <3

Saint Mesa – Lion

This is a simple song, but it makes me feel pretty powerful. The music alone pumps me up to push through whatever it is that I’m working on. FYI, it’s also a great workout song! Bring the lion out!

The Color Morale – Strange Comfort

‘I know I’m lost, but what scares me the most is I’m starting to feel at home.‘ RELATABLE. This song often reminds me that I’m not alone in feeling the way that I do and that it’s okay to feel that way. It’s inspiring and keeps the light at the end of the tunnel in mind.

There you have it! Pop it on shuffle and find that focus and motivation to be true to yourself today 🙂

What songs are your favorite when you’re having an off day and need a boost? I’d love to hear them!