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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Murray State chapter.

Every once in while, more like once a week actually, I start to feel pretty unmotivated. It usually happens on a dreary Monday when nothing is technically due, but if I don’t get started, then the rest of my week will be miserable. I need some motivation to get me through which usually comes in the form of music. This makes my homework so much more tolerable, and this playlist usually comes in the form of some catchy, upbeat, independent-women type of songs. If you are a strong, independent woman, a member of the lack of motivation nation, and an avid Spotify user, then you’re going to love my girl boss playlist.

1. “Miss Movin’ On” by Fifth Harmony

I remember when I first heard this song on Disney Channel, those were the days! This song is very motivating especially if you have just gone through a breakup. Inapplicable to me, but I still love the song! It has such a good beat that’s sure to get you out of bed and into the library in no time.

2. “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton

What a country legend! I recently started listening to this song and it fuels me! What feminist wouldn’t love a song about fighting the wage gap and working hard? Throw in a country rhythm, and you’ve got a winner. To be honest, I tried a last year to look up some trap versions, but nothing beats the original.

3. “Sue Me” by Sabrina Carpenter

This is a pretty new song that has been on repeat for me ever since Thanksgiving break when I discovered it. It is a catchy song about feeling confident in yourself and not caring about what others think. This whole album is quality with a lot of good dance songs! So be sure to crank this one up when you need to finish that presentation.

4. “Shoutout to my Ex” by Little Mix

Though this song is a few years old, it has always been one of my favorites. This song about ex-One Direction member Zayn Malik is about getting stronger after a breakup. My favorite line is “Here’s to my ex. Hey, look at me now. I’m all the way up. I swear you’ll never bring me down” First of all, flames. Second, Little Mix is the epitome of a “girl gang” and there is such sass throughout the whole song that makes me get hype!

5. “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” by Aretha Franklin

Another classic that will always be a song that women can use as motivation. I don’t know anyone that can make it through this song without singing along. Currently I am in a silent library and am fighting the urge to start singing! I can do it! Not only is there a pretty smooth saxophone solo, but Aretha Franklin’s vocals are incredible and moving.

6. “Confident” by Demi Lovato

This has always been a go-to workout song for me because it gets me super pumped up and, well, feeling confident. There is a fast, loud drum in the background, some snapping, and a major beat drop that is impossible not to love. An honorable mention for this playlist would also be my favorite girl boss song of life, “Sorry Not Sorry.” I crank this song so loud in the car, and all of my suitemates hate it because I play it so much. Demi hits notes that I can’t even hit on a good day, but you better believe I still try every time! I recommend these two classic Demi hits for any occasion: studying, workout, or drives.

7. “Nobody’s Perfect” by Hannah Montana

My suitemates and I just discovered that every episode of Hannah Montana is available on Disney Now. This was a really inconvenient discovery for the week before finals, but study breaks are a thing, right? So now I have gotten re-obsessed with all of my favorite childhood songs. Although it is a little cheesy, the song has a good message that any girl boss can get behind. It is also motivating when I’m doing homework in difficult classes. Nothing is more motivating than “Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody has those days.” Too real. I also made a meme as a study break for how this song makes me feel.

Photo courtesy of seventeen.com

I hope that these songs are able to motivate you to stick with your homework, tests, projects, and presentations. We are strong, independent, hard working women, and we got this!

Sarah is a senior Dietetics major. She loves to be involved and keep busy, so you will probably see her drinking an iced coffee. She also enjoys binging HGTv and Food Network.