The new year is only days away! Do you find yourself feeling excited or… exhausted?

They say 2020 has been a year of shock and survival, 2021 has been a year of healing and recovery, while 2022 will be a year of moving forward and making things happen! This month of December, most of us get excited as the new year approaches. However, for some, that might not be the case. Others might feel exhausted, dreading the thought of a new year filled with new uncertainties and challenges.

Sit back, folks. Outwiths wants to help you stay motivated and have a positive outlook to start an awesome year. Listen to these refreshing tracks to welcome 2022!

1. Brave — Sara Bareilles

Say what you wanna say

And let the words fall out

Honestly, I wanna see you be brave

A powerful anthem, Brave is a song by American singer and songwriter Sara Bareilles. The song was released in 2013 and has been relatively inspired by a close friend of Bareilles, who is a lesbian and struggled to come out. Although, the lyrics are so inspiring that you can interpret the song in your own way. You might even feel that you’re actually the one telling yourself to be brave. This song can definitely kickstart your motivation for the new year as you face new challenges and opportunities.

2. Try — Rob Rokicki, Chris McCarrell, Kristin Stokes, and Jorrel Javier

I may fail you

I may fail but it doesn't mean I won't try

Try is a bonus track from the Off-Broadway revival cast album (deluxe version) of the Percy Jackson musical entitled, The Lightning Thief. This song could get you feeling like you’re Percy himself—fighting off monsters, conquering quests, and proving to everyone, and yourself, that you can do it. If you're someone who also struggles with people’s expectations, the uplifting lyrics of the song can help assure you that the important thing is that you try and do your best. Do not let the opinion of others define you; create your own reality!

3. One Step At a Time — Jordin Sparks

It's gonna happen when it's supposed to happen

Then we find the reasons why

One step at a time

American Idol Season 6 Winner Jordin Sparks can spark your goals and dreams and help you go through life at your own pace with her hit track, One Step At a Time. From her self-titled album released in 2008, this song has stayed influential for it brims with emotional yet invigorating hope. This song tells you to trust the process and take some time and enjoy your journey as well. So, don’t feel as if you have to rush and compete with others; set your own pace and live your life this 2022 and the years to come! 

4. Try Everything — Shakira

I won't give up, no I won't give in

Til I reach the end and then I'll start again

No I won't leave, I wanna try everything

I wanna try even though I could fail

If you want more of Rob Rokicki’s Try and need an extra push to believe in yourself, Shakira’s vocals hype you up in this upbeat and motivational song, Try Everything. She recorded the track for Zootopia, an animated buddy-cop Disney film about extraordinary friendships and heartwarming determination. Try Everything likens to the proverb, “Try until you succeed.” This song fires you up with enthusiasm and moves you to keep going despite your setbacks. As you reflect and bid goodbye to the past year, learn to see your mistakes as opportunities for growth.

5. Don’t Be so Hard on Yourself — Jess Glynne

Don't be so hard on yourself, no

Learn to forgive, learn to let go

Everyone trips, everyone falls

The title of this song is enough to motivate you, isn’t it? English singer-songwriter Jess Glynne’s Don’t Be so Hard on Yourself features a punchy beat that would help you get on your feet. Glynne said in an MTV interview that the song was about a break-up. After getting your heart broken, you feel pain and all sorts of emotions… but after this phase, we all want to be at a better place, don’t we? So, we get back up again. And that is what this song is about, as shared by Glynne: not to let sadness defeat you.

6. This Is Me — Keala Settle and The Greatest Showman Ensemble

Look out 'cause here I come

And I'm marching on to the beat I drum

I'm not scared to be seen

I make no apologies, this is me

This Is Me is one of the most remarkable songs from the musical drama film, The Greatest Showman. Known as an anthem for outcasts, the song urges you to be “unapologetically you”. It’s time to impress yourself rather than impress others. Make your voice heard and be firm when people attempt to bring you down. The day you can confidently say “this is me” is the day you transform your life. Are you ready to say hello to 2022 and to who you truly are?

7. High Hopes — Panic! At The Disco

Had to have high, high hopes for a living

Shooting for the stars when I couldn't make a killing

Didn't have a dime but I always had a vision

High Hopes is one of the highest chart-topping tracks of Panic! At The Disco, which was a pop-rock band that is now a solo project of American musician Brendon Urie. This energising track talks about persevering to aim high and chasing your hopes and dreams until they become a reality. Power through those feelings of intimidation; you have your own path to follow. Listen now to High Hopes to boost your morale!

8. This Is Our Someday — Big Time Rush

Someday is what we make it

Someday is right here and now

Why wait, why wait, why wait?

Cause this is our someday

The right time may never come, so create it. This is what This Is Our Someday by pop boy band Big Time Rush is all about.  If you keep on waiting for that perfect moment, you might end up just precisely that: waiting. Go ahead and start your business, apply for your dream job, or enroll in that training course you’ve been thinking about. Take (smart) risks rather than lose chances. Make 2022 your someday!

9. Life Goes On — BTS

Like an echo in the forest

Haruga doraogetji (The day will come back around)

Amu ildo eopdan deusi (As if nothing happened)

Yeah life goes on

What’s a playlist without a BTS track on it? Life Goes On, from the multi-awarded BE album, offers a message of healing and hope. BTS members shared that the song is meant to comfort people affected by the current pandemic crisis. Indeed, these past two years have been incredibly difficult for us, and we long for those good old days. Life is full of uncertainties, but one thing is certain: it goes on. Keep moving forward as you venture into the year ahead. Life’s struggles have shaped who you are and you’ve come a long way. Be proud of yourself!

10. Change (Taylor’s Version) — Taylor Swift

'Cause these things will change

Can you feel it now?

These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down

Last but not the least, let Queen Taylor be your inspiration as you welcome 2022 with Change. As you may know, Swift is re-recording her old albums to reclaim her work after having a dispute with her previous record label. That said, channel your inner Swift, stand your ground, and prevail in your battles. This heartfelt track can be your new year mantra as you emerge victorious over hardships. Change empowers you to be bold and brave and assures you that as long as you’re keeping the good fight, your time will come to finally win.

Listen to the full playlist by scanning the code below!

Are you feeling motivated now? Did you have a change of heart? To keep the momentum going, create an Outwiths portfolio today! Keep track of your accomplishments and look back with confidence.

If you found this playlist helpful, share it with your family and friends! Let’s help each other welcome 2022 with motivation, excitement, and optimism!