33 must-stream songs to help you smash your New Year's resolutions

Lizzo is all about self-love, so it only makes sense that many of her songs would be about self-love. They also serve as a motivation in the gym, specifically her 2019 track "Soulmate." The catchy track is all about being your biggest fan and appreciating yourself as you are. However, the lyrics could also be the perfect motivator, depending on this year's goals.

Well, Sia's "Unstoppable" needs no explanation. The lyrics paint the picture clearly. "I'm unstoppable / I'm invincible / I'm so powerful / I'm so confident, yeah, I'm unstoppable today."

We've all experienced a rollercoaster of emotions while trying to accomplish our New Year's resolutions, from anger to frustration and disappointment. However, as we all know, the pendulum always swings the other way. So, for those moments when you're feeling on top of the world, be sure to clap along to some upbeat tunes, like Pharrell's hit "Happy."

Dua Lipa's "Dance The Night" isn't necessarily a motivational song; however, it does have a fun beat, catchy lyrics, and a vibe that feels right for a playlist like this.

For those readers who are determined to crush their resolutions due to a nasty breakup or maddening ex-partner, make sure Tate McRae's smash hit "exes" is on your playlist. The motivation will hit you in no time.

Sometimes, all we need to keep going on our resolution journey is a friendly reminder to keep working. Rihanna's got us all covered with that one, thanks to her extremely popular track "Work," which features Drake. The chart-topping singer utters the word repeatedly throughout the track (78 times, to be exact) ... so you'll never forget it.

Not every goal is about fitness or health. Some people just want to get to the money. If that's you, then be sure to stream Cardi B's single "Money." The lyrics she raps throughout the chorus should be motivation enough to keep grinding. 

If you need to listen to a confidence booster during your resolution journey every now and then, you can never go wrong with the Queen Bee: Beyoncé. Her single "Run The Worlds (Girls)" will remind every listener that they're the boss in their story. "Who run the world?" she sings confidently.

Look, the accountability conversation we must have with ourselves at various points in our lives is never easy. However, playing a little MJ in the background could definitely help.

When a song is all about flexing and hyping yourself up, how can it not be included in a list like this? Nicki Minaj and Bey do a great job of both in their 2014 single "Feeling Myself."

Janelle Monáe's song "Yoga" is about having fun, dancing, and living your best life. Sometimes, a track with this message is all you need to keep going. 

Look at the title. Remy Ma's 2006 single "Conceited" should be the go-to track for those needing a little pick-me-up while trying to crush their goals this year. "I'm conceited / I gotta reason," the Love & Hip-Hop star raps. 

Although Mary J's song "Enough Cryin" is about leaving a relationship and wanting better for yourself, it can also be used as motivation to help you smash your New Year's resolutions. "I've done enough cryin' / It's time I do something for me," she sings in the nearly five-minute track.

In their 2024 single, "In My Bag," FLO sings the ultimate mantra for someone striving to crush big goals in 2025: "When you see me, know I'm in my bag."

We had to include Kelly Clarkson's 2011 song "Stronger" in this list. It's a must-stream track for those needing a reminder that they're more than capable of accomplishing the goals they've set for themselves.

Katy Perry's song "Roar" is another motivational tune that should give listeners the strength they need to attack their resolutions like never before.

Rachel Platten's "Fight Song" is another that needs no explanation. We've all heard it. We've all sung it. We've all been moved by it. Here's your reminder to throw it in the Spotify queue.

DJ Khaled's "All I Do Is Win" will be your No. 1 song on Spotify once you accomplish your New Year's resolutions. You better start learning those verses.

Eminem's "Lose Yourself" is a no-brainer on a list like this. It's a classic (with aggressive lyrics to hype you up) that has motivated many since its release in 2002.

This song comes out of the gate swinging with motivational lyrics. "I can do anything," Beyoncé and Jay-Z sing on the track "NICE." That's motivation enough for us!

We understand that some people who set New Year's resolutions may not want to share them publicly, which makes total sense. For those who are on a silent journey and need that extra reminder that they're more than enough, then Lizzo's "Special" should do just the trick.

Accomplishing challenging goals that we set for ourselves can be a struggle. Sometimes, we take a step forward only to take several steps back. However, the strength to trek forward lives within us all, and David Guetta's "Titanium" does a perfect job reminding us of it.

Kanye West's music always belongs on the playlist, and if you need a funky hip-hop song to keep you looking forward to your goals, then "Stronger" should be at the top. Is it extremely motivational? No. However, listening to a song with the word "stronger" in it has to have some positive influence, right?

Whether you're running the business, we're all bosses in our own right, and the Carters do a great job explaining that in their hip-hop track of the same name. I mean, how can you not feel like a big shot when singing about slamming car doors and taking over multiple Forbes lists?

Drake says it best in his 2011 single, "The Motto": "You only live once." Don't forget that on your journey toward smashing your goals. 

It's hard not to feel motivated after listening to Meek Mill's "Dreams and Nightmares." The rap track has a ferocious beat and powerful lyrics, making it the perfect song for those whose goals are tied to the gym. However, it's still an encouraging song for any listener wanting an extra push toward the finish line. 

Miley's "Midnight Sky" might not motivate you the way some of the others on this list will. However, some of the lyrics do have some encouraging themes. "I was born to run, I don't belong to anyone / I don't need to be loved by you" could be the self-love anthem someone needs to make their goals a reality.

Beyoncé's "MY POWER" is another no-brainer. The afro-beat-style track sets the tone immediately with an explosive sound effect before the featured artists start singing, "They'll never take my power." Later, Bey begins her verse and talks her talk in only the way she can, ending with, "Don't make me get back to my ways / My power they'll never take." 

Kehlani's "Already Won" is a smooth R&B track with encouraging lyrics that remind the listener that things are always working out for their good. "I remain unstoppable always," she sings over the catchy beat.

Words have power, and Billie Eilish seems to understand that with her song "Therefore I Am." It's not the motivating pop track that some of the others on this list are, but as we know, songs mean what you want them to. So, if you're using Billie's track as some kind of manifestation melody, then let it be!

Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" has been used as the theme song for lists like this for years. Released in 1982 as the lead single to the Rocky movie, the track went on to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 before winning Best Rock Performance at that year's Grammy Awards.

If your resolution involves fitness or a gym, you might have to sing the lyric "I don't care / I love it" from Icona Pop and Charli XCX's track "I Love It" repeatedly to get you through.

Pretend this song isn't about a romantic partner, and instead, when Aaliyah sings, "And if at first you don't succeed / Dust yourself off and try again," she's giving you a much-needed pep talk to help you reach those goals and then some.