Remember your old high school pep rallies and how fired up everyone would get when the band started playing the school fight song? As a former cheerleader, I can remember being down on the sidelines and feeling the electricity surge through the crowd as the band played “our” song and the adrenaline rush that would propel our athletes to push harder and dig deeper out on the field.

If music has the power to energize and excite us–doesn’t it make sense that we should add music to our FabYOUlous Life toolbox? I know that when I’m running, working out, or just needing a jolt of motivation, I have certain songs that I play depending upon the type of feeling that I am trying to obtain. Here is a list of songs that I have compiled and listen to whenever I need a little help in firing up the FAB in my life. Some songs are poppy while some are hard and angry (yes, I fully believe in the power of positivity, but sometimes you just need a hard, angry song when it’s time to knuckle up and kick some butt on your goal).

As a disclaimer (and warning), those who know me well, know that I’ve always had rather “edgy” taste when it comes to music, so not all of these songs are appropriate for younger ears (in fact, most of them probably are not). They are however; TOTALLY appropriate when you are on mile 11 of a half-marathon and need some fire to power you through your last two miles. So, that being said…listen at your own risk and add the songs that get your blood pumping to your own “time to kick butt” play list.

One Step Closer by Linkin Park

Roar by Katy Perry

You’re Going Down by Sick Puppies

Baby I’m a Star by Prince

Light ’em Up by Fall Out Boy

Fight Song by Rachel Platten

Way of the Fist by Five Finger Death Punch (remember…NOT APPROPRIATE FOR KIDDOS!! You’ve been warned!)

Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars (because we need a little Bruno after Five Finger Death Punch!)

It’s My Life by Bon Jovi (and we always need a little JBJ)

Remember the Name by Fort Minor

Applause by Lady Gaga

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

Take it Outside by Brantley Gilbert (I’m not a huge country music fan but there are a few songs that I like…this is one of them)

Till I Collapse by Eminem

Burn it to the Ground by Nickelback (okay–go ahead and crucify me if you must, but I actually really like Nickelback music)

Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins

Cryin’ Like a Bitch by Godsmack

Awake and Alive by Skillet

Titanium by David Guetta

Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys

10,000 Fists in the Air by Disturbed

Bodies by Drowning Pool

So What by Pink

Take my Life by Jeremy Camp

The Climb by Miley Cyrus

Don’t Stop Believing by Journey (totally cliche but still a good one)

Tonight by Kutless

Okay–now that you’ve got some tunes to crank when going gets tough, let’s also add some practical inspiration and suggestions for energizing your life. Click the box below to get TWO free ebooks, “50 FabYOUlous Ways to Energize Your Life” and “365 Questions to Help you Find Your Answers”