Even if I’m armed with all the coffee in the world, I can’t seem to avoid feeling a little burnt out by midweek (or even late Monday afternoon, let’s be honest).  When an inevitable slump in energy hits, I turn to music for a quick pick-me-up and tune into the playlist I’ve compiled below.  With a stellar lineup of inspiring female artists, these upbeat songs will give you the push and motivation you need to finish the week strong.  Whether you’re tackling a difficult work project, running errands, or rushing to finish that American politics paper, you’ll be ready to run the world.

The members of Little Mix

1) ‘Brave’ by Sara Bareilles

There are certain songs, like this dynamic Sara Bareilles one, that inspire you to sit up taller and ‘say what you wanna say.’  Whenever I’m running a little low on confidence or moxie, this song always comes to mind.  It’s as if Sara is a close friend giving me a little pep talk to speak up, be brave, and dance like no one is watching.

Don’t run, just stop holding your tongue / Maybe there’s a way out of the cage where you live / Maybe one of these days you can let the light in / Show me how big your brave is

2) ‘Secrets’ by Mary Lambert

Ever since collaborating with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on their poignant same-sex equality anthem ‘Same Love,’ Mary Lambert has been keeping it real, both in her demeanor and music.  A former Seattle Grand Slam Poetry champion, Mary’s bluntness regarding her bipolar disorder, dysfunctional family, and sexuality in ‘Secrets’ is invigorating and inspiring.  She provides a valuable lesson in embracing what some may perceive as flaws and having fun while doing so.

They tell us from the time we’re young / To hide the things that we don’t like about ourselves / Inside ourselves / I know I’m not the only one who spent so long attempting to be someone else / Well I’m over it

3) ‘Confident’ by Demi Lovato

Though her transition from a young Disney star to mature artist has been filled with obstacles and heartaches, Demi’s latest single proves she’s stronger than ever.  Channel Demi’s self-assured and fearless attitude before your next presentation or interview and you’ll find nothing short of success.  Snaps all around!

What’s wrong with being confident?

4) ‘Unwritten’ by Natasha Bedingfield

If any song has given me the urge to run outside and dance in the pouring rain, it’s this one.  On the more practical side, it’s also the perfect song to give a quick listen during an office afternoon slump or in-between classes when you simply need a little burst of energy and positivity.

Let the sun illuminate the words that you cannot find / Reaching for something in the distance / So close you can almost taste it / Release your inhibitions / Feel the rain on your skin

5) ‘Super Love’ and ‘Alive’ by Dami Im

Though she isn’t well known here in the States (yet), Dami won The X Factor Australia in 2013 and became the first Asian winner in X Factor history.  I was instantly charmed by Dami’s infectious optimism, both in real life during interviews and heard through her music.  Upbeat yet thought-provoking lyrics combined with synthpop beats make for the perfect mid-day dance break.  Also, ‘Super Love’ is dedicated to Dami’s husband Noah, who left his job as a social worker to accompany Dami on all of her travels.  Weekly ‘awww’ moment, check.

They say we got our heads in the clouds, I don’t mind / So forget about your lows and your highs, you’re the sky 

You can always break the rules / You can always dare to dance / But you gotta take a chance / Don’t keep waiting for an open door / Break the lock and get something more

6) ‘Run The World (Girls)’ by Beyoncé

In case you live under a rock, Beyoncé (aka Queen Bey) is the epitome of female empowerment in the arena of popular music.  In addition to her impressive pipes, Beyoncé also co-founded Chime for Change, a female empowerment campaign that aims to raise funds and awareness for projects focused on promoting the education, health, and justice of girls and women around the world.

My persuasion can build a nation/Endless power our love we can devour/You’ll do anything for me

7) ‘We’ll Be The Stars’ by Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina may be only sixteen, but her voice has the slight tinge of an old soul.  As a burgeoning singer and actress—Sabrina stars in ‘Girl Meets World,’ the spin-off to the beloved ‘Boy Meets World’ series—her songs have that starry-eyed quality that sings to the carefree and open-minded teenage spirit inside all of us, no matter what age we are.  If you’re a fan of this song, check out ‘Eyes Wide Open’ as well!

We are young, we are gold / Trying things we didn’t know / Looking at the sky, see it come alive / All our fears became our hopes

8) ‘Wings’ by Little Mix

The four ladies of Little Mix really know how to deliver a powerful punch.  While I daydream about forming a girl group with my best friends, this song serves as a beautiful reminder to never let anyone take away or belittle what makes you the wonderfully unique person you are.

Mama told me not to waste my life / She said spread your wings my little butterfly / Don’t let what they say keep you up at night / And they can’t detain you / ’Cause wings are made to fly

9) ‘One Step at a Time’ by Jordin Sparks

Jordin may have just released her first full-length album in six years, but her older songs are the ones I always go back to. The song’s message, which is to take each day in stride and trust that everything will be just fine, is timeless.

We live and we learn to take / One step at a time / There’s no need to rush / It’s like learning to fly / Or falling in love / It’s gonna happen when it’s / Supposed to happen

10) ‘War Paint’ by FLETCHER

FLETCHER is an artist on the rise with a unique, hybrid sound that Nylon has described as ‘a mix of Sugarland with Tove Lo—anthemic pop with introspection and soul.’  As for me, I can’t get enough of this track’s tribal-inspired beats and sounds, clear-bodied vocals, and ‘ready to take on the world’ decree.  Bring it on, hump day!

Cause this is our flight; love is not the enemy / Everything you do gives me some power, makes me feel alive / So take the gun, I’m your Bonnie, you can be my Clyde

11) ‘Oath’ by Cher Lloyd ft. Becky G

Sometimes all it takes to turn a rough day around is a little reminder about all the wonderful and supportive people in your life.

Wherever you go, just always remember / That you got a home for now and forever / And if you get low, just call me whenever / This is my oath to you

12) ‘Masterpiece’ by Jessie J

Jessie J has a powerhouse voice, and with her latest album Sweet Talker, isn’t afraid of showcasing the vocal boldness she felt she held back on her sophomore album, Alive.  I fell in love with this song because it’s about embracing your shortcomings and giving yourself the time to work on you.  Besides, having somewhere or something to aim towards is where the excitement of life lies.  So let’s keep working hard on our masterpieces and be proud that we’re perfectly incomplete.

I still fall on my face sometimes / And I can’t color inside the lines / ’Cause I’m perfectly incomplete / No, you haven’t seen the best of me / I’m still working on my masterpiece

What motivates you to get through the week (besides this playlist, of course)?  Whether it's a new book you're digging into or a satisfying workout session, we'd love to know!  Post a picture on Instagram (include yourself if possible!) with the hashtag #bSmartgirlsruntheworld.