Music as Motivation?

Today there are so many different genres and styles of music, but we all listen to at least one. We listen to music to cure boredom, have fun with friends, and strangest of all, motivate ourselves. Normally you would not give it a second thought when you turn your music on low to study. It’s normal for us; but why do we do it? 

Music has such a huge effect on the brain that it has even been banned from professional sports. Athletes such as runners can not use their favorite tunes during a race because music has been known to help runners create a faster pace. A sports psychologist, Dr. Karageorghis, has even called it a sport-enhancing drug. He says that “music distracts people from exhaustion and pain, increases endurance, boosts mood and even increases metabolic efficiency.” 

Stress and fatigue are the first killers of motivation. Far too often we feel too tired but need to continue working. While having a rest and sleeping is the best option, it’s often impossible due to certain circumstances. 

Research has shown that music has positive effects on mental fatigue caused by routine tasks, which is exactly what we suffer from at work. While routine is sometimes considered good for productivity, falling into it is a trap. By performing similar tasks every day we settle into a groove, and soon our brain gets tired of the routine. 

There’s a direct connection between these two notions. As you move to the rhythm of the music, it not only helps your motor coordination but also boosts your self-confidence. Thus, listening to music, either during an exercise or while doing a task at work, can boost your self-confidence. 

Improved self-confidence is also directly related to self-esteem. Therefore, music affects the way we perceive ourselves. Huffington Post also did an article on how music can improve a teen’s self-esteem, which is a burning topic nowadays. Music helps teens determine their values, which establishes the feeling of self-respect. It also impacts the ability to take on responsibilities and motivates teens to take on complicated challenges to boost their skills. 

It’s safe to say that music does a character-building job, helping us become more determined and motivated. It’s also necessary to mention that music boosts our ability to focus, being a healthy distraction from all other irritants that make us procrastinate.

 Music is a very powerful neurological tool that helps us change our mindset and mood, so listening to your favorite tunes while performing different activities is a great motivational exercise. Moreover, music can change the way we perceive the world, making it more positive and outgoing.