" going the distance..."

"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy." Norman Vincent Peale 

      Here is a question I never tire of asking or listening to the answer,  "What songs pump you up?" What track, CD or download gets you amped? What piece of music motivates and inspires you? As a music lover who appreciates every genre, I understand all of us have at least one song, CD or album we  consider a "life altering theme" track. We use music or lyrics as motivation for work or a work out,  getting out of bed or getting on with life. What song keeps you running an extra mile when you really want to go home, watch the Daily Show and eat a box of Cheddar Jack Cheez-Its?  According to online journal Cave Magazine's 2012 fan survey one of the most motivational songs of all time is "Faint" by Linkin Park. Although I do agree "Faint" can get the adrenaline flowing, my favorite "get attitude" go to Linkin Park track has always been "When They Come for Me".  It's like punching someone right in the face with music. I dare anyone to stand still or feel less than bad ass when you take it in."  I'm not a robot. I'm not a monkey and I will not dance even if the beats funky."  "When They Come For Me" is not really the most respectful, happy, positive song when calm, gentle and optimistic is generally my personality. Essentially, the lyrics tell people to "kiss your ass" which gives you an edge when you need self motivation for a tough work out. Admittedly, I always wind up laughing at myself singing  "try to catch up Motherfuckers'.... It does get your blood pumping.  "Going the Distance" from the movie soundtrack "Rocky" is powerful too.  Please, have a listen......

       Others I've polled prefer "Click, Click Boom" by Saliva or "Let the Bodies Hit the Floor" by Drowning Pool.  "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC or "Run This Town" by Jay-Z were mentioned. There are a few who chose the more traditional "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey or "Eye of the Tiger' by Survivor.  Those surveyed mentioned everything from classical Wagner, "Flight of the Valkyries" to "Uprising" by Muse. Whatever tunes are on your "pumped up" play list, keep moving. Keep believing in yourself. There will be times  in your life when you are your only cheering section.