5 - Taylor L. Does Music and Motivation Have Anything in Common?

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Everyone everywhere has some sort of motivation. There is always some kind of driving factor behind one’s actions. Whether its the innate and fundamental instinct of survival or purely derived from self interests, there is always a cause or reason for everything. Inspiration plays a big role in motivation and it is evident that music has been found to be an increasingly important and inspiring factor. In reference to personal opinion, I found that I am most effectively inspired by music that corresponds with my current environment.

As far as an academic standpoint goes, purposeful and intentional songs serve as the best inspiring songs. Whether its classical pieces from Beethoven or Mozart, or fast paced and deliberate raps from Eminem, there is intention and purpose with every beat or lyric. While these examples could not be more different, they both utilize percussion and quick, deliberate beats. There is a distinguishable beginning, middle, and end that serves as a reminder to stay on task. Genres such as rock or pop just serve as distractions as they are more random and lack a set tempo that doesn’t keep me motivated and focused.

However, in an athletic regard, fast paced songs are a must. Loud and fast music is known to increase serotonin levels and heart rate, essentially warming me up before a game, practice, or conditioning. Songs that preach about confidence, hard work, and happiness generally inspire good feelings as well, and ensure that whatever circumstances I’m going into, it will be a slightly more positive one. My feelings regarding this inspirational music choice are not as unique as my previous. It is a widespread belief to enjoy listening to “pump up” songs and thousands of playlists have been created on multiple music platforms for exactly this reason.

Finally, music in itself is such a powerful tool in regard to emotions. There is nothing more relieving than having a good cry to sad songs from Adele or X. Sad, slow paced songs with raw, heartfelt, and meaningful lyrics inspire feelings of relatedness in listeners. Ongoing issues and experiences are not only heard but validated through music, and ultimately shared by hundreds of millions of people. If you’re going through any sort of loss or breakup, there’s a Taylor Swift song perfect for you. I find that these kinds of songs serve as inspiration to really understand and acknowledge certain feelings.

It’s too difficult to narrow down one genre or kind of music that serves as an inspirational factor. Music was made to appeal to different scenarios and people. Different circumstances call for different music. Whatever I’m feeling or doing, there is a kind of music specific to my interests and benefits that serve as inspiration.