Music as a Career Motivator

Previously published in the Times Beacon Record Newspapers, Employment Section, July 3, 2008.

 

by Laura Smith Dunaief

You’re in a deep, blue funk after not getting that big promotion.  You’re nervous before an interview or an important presentation.  You know you need to get this big proposal done, but you keep procrastinating.  It’s hard to change your mood, motivate and reenergize yourself in a lot of professional situations. 

Real Simple magazine recently ran a story that talked about the value of having a personal theme song, or power song, to get you over emotional humps, and it got me thinking about how much power music has to motivate us.

Gyms know this.  When you walk into most fitness centers, they have heart-pumping, up-tempo music pounding out of the speakers.  Still, I’ve always preferred to bring my own and drown out the gym’s selections with my headphones.  Interestingly, studies have shown that athletic performance can be increased by as much as 20% by listening to the right song. 

So, what’s the right song?  It turns out that it’s very personal.  It has to be something that the listener can identify with, and that speaks to him or her.  And while there are some songs that seem to have broad appeal, such as “I Will Survive,” by Gloria Gaynor, the right song for one person can be a de-motivator for another.  Some gyms have tapped into this research, playing different music in the mornings and the afternoons to target the interests of their typical patrons at these times.

Political campaigns also seem to have picked up on the idea, selecting theme songs that are motivational and identifiable to their supporters.  My personal favorite campaign theme songs – politics aside - have been “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet,” by Bachman-Turner Overdrive (Al Gore) and “Let’s Get It Started,” by The Black Eyed Peas (various candidates).

So, why does it work?  The science has to do with music altering our arousal levels, working as a mental and physical stimulant.  I know a lot of people who could use something like that at work.  But what if you can’t listen to music while you work?  It doesn’t matter, says the research.  “Pre-task” music has the same effect: it improves your internal focus and acts as a stimulant, carrying you through the task at hand. 

Personally, ever since reading the article about power songs, I’ve been searching for my personal theme song.  I think I’m fickle, though; I seem to flit from one energizing or inspirational song to the next, depending on what the situation requires.

And yes, I’ve found that the right song can get me going on that dreaded or boring project, or it can give me a boost of confidence before an important meeting or presentation.

Try it!  The next time you find yourself “stuck,” try flipping on the radio or putting on your headphones.  The right song can do wonders for you.

Laura Smith Dunaief is a principal of LASD Resource Development, which provides individual career coaching and corporate training and development programs.