Another year, another playlist in celebration of #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek!
This year’s campaign theme is: “Growing Together”, and from the campaign website, we learn that:
“Human beings change and grow – we do it all the time and in many different ways. Physical growth is easy to see as we grow from babies to children, teenagers to adults. We grow intellectually as we gain knowledge, skills, and understanding at school, and beyond. “Growing Together” is about growing emotionally, and finding ways to help each other grow”.
In light of this theme of growth and development, we’ve created a playlist with songs aimed to inspire and support personal growth, both in ourselves and others.
Let’s go!
18 Songs About Personal Growth
#18. “Anything’s Possible” – Lea Michelle
Before we can grow, we have to believe that we can! Whether it’s doing something to step outside of your comfort zone or overcoming a fear of failure, “Anything’s Possible” by Lea Michelle reminds us that personal growth is possible through hard work, determination, and most importantly believing in yourself.
Lyrics we love:
I push to the limits, I climb every wall
I keep on believing anything’s possible
I run ’til I’m breathless, I stand ten feet tall
I keep on believing anything’s possible
Woah oh oh oh oh oh, anything’s possible
#17. “Just Hold On – Steve Aoki & Louis Tomlinson
Growth isn’t easy – it’s messy, frustrating, and difficult! That’s why we love “Just Hold On” by Steve Aoki & Louis Tomlinson – it reminds us to keep going even when we feel like giving up.
Lyrics we love:
The sun goes down and it comes back up
The world it turns no matter what
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh oh, if it all goes wrong
Darling, just hold on
#16. “Tell Me How You Feel About That” – Lily-Jo
Sometimes working towards our personal goals can feel isolating. We might be afraid that our friends will either see us differently or even criticise our efforts. Lily-Jo’s latest single “Tell Me How You Feel About That” encourages us to open up to others when we’re feeling this way – especially if we’re struggling to cope with difficult changes. By doing so. we’re more likely to find a squad of cheerleaders and supporters rather than critics.
Lyrics we love:
When the night closes in and the heartache begins
Won’t you lay down your defence
And let me in
Tell me how you feel about that
#15. “Never Ever Give Up” – Matthew West
It wouldn’t be a growth playlist without a song discouraging us from giving up – and this song by Matthew West couldn’t be more perfect! It’s upbeat, motivational, and the perfect “pick me up” when you’re feeling down.
Lyrics we love:
You never ever give up
You hold on no matter what
You show the world the face of brave
You never ever give up
#14. “Let the Sun Shine” – Labrinth
Through periods of growth and transition in our lives, it’s easy to get trapped in reflecting on the past or dreaming about the future. “Let the Sun Shine” by Labrinth reminds us that it’s important to stay focused on the present and simply enjoy the sunshine.
Lyrics we love:
I feel a cold flush going through my hair
And hey you know what
I don’t even care
The time has passed me by
It’s gone with the wind
It’s all because the sun shined once again
#13. “Good Day Sunshine” – The Beatles
Another song about enjoying the sunshine and the present moment! “Good Day Sunshine” by The Beatles” is sure to put you in a good mood, even if you’ve had a stressful day.
Lyrics we love:
I’m in love and it’s a sunny day.
Good day sunshine, good day sunshine.
Good day sunshine.
We take a walk the sun is shining down
Burns my feet as they touch the ground.
Good day sunshine, good day sunshine.
#12. “Rule the World” – Walk Off the Earth
Anyone who has ever worked towards a big goal in their life will know that not everyone around them will always be supportive. That’s why we love “Rule the World” by Walk Off the Earth – it’s is an anthem about standing strong in the face of naysayers.
Lyrics we love:
They say “No way”
Oh, I say “I rule the world”
Ain’t afraid of the walls, I’mma break them down
They stay the same
Well, I’m feelin’ high as a bird
Ain’t afraid of the ground, I’mma stay up
#11. “Couldn’t Be Better” – Kelly Clarkson
Sometimes we are thrown into situations where we are forced to grow and adapt. However, there are other opportunities in our lives where we do have some control over how we grow into our future – for example, by surrounding ourselves with supportive people, maintaining a good diet and exercise routine, and challenging ourselves to be better.
This process looks different for everyone – which is why we love how the song “Couldn’t Be Better” by Kelly Clarkson celebrates individuality and the importance of choosing your own path.
Lyrics we love:
Choose the path you want and take it (And take it)
If you don’t fit the mold, doesn’t matter, go on and break it
Yes, it’s a square peg life in a round hole town
But it all couldn’t be any sweeter
You may be upside-backwards and wrong side-down
But it just couldn’t feel more completer
#10. “Everybody” – Ingrid Michaelson
“Everybody” by Ingrid Michaelson has such a simple, yet powerful message. In order to grow, we have to show love and compassion to ourselves. And in order to help others grow, we have to show them love and compassion to them as well.
Lyrics we love:
Everybody, everybody wants to love
Everybody, everybody wants to be loved
#9. “I’m Still Standing” – Elton John
Who doesn’t love an absolute banger by Elton John? “I’m Still Standing” reminds us to embrace the present moment, celebrate what we’ve accomplished, and keep treading forward!
Lyrics we love:
Don’t you know I’m still standing better than I ever did?
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
And I’m still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind
#8. “Live Your Story” – Tina Parol
Every good story has its ups, downs, and opportunities for personal growth. ”Live Your Story” by Tina Parol reminds us that we all have our own unique story to write, live, and enjoy.
Lyrics we love:
Dream, see, write, live your story
Every day it keeps unfolding,
Make it your own
The power is all yours
Dream, see, write, live your story
Dream big and live your story
#7. “#thatPOWER” – will.i.am, Justin Bieber
Personal growth takes a lot of energy and commitment! That’s why we love “#thatPOWER” by will.i.am and Justin Bieber – you just can’t help but feel pumped up for a successful day!
Lyrics we love:
Y-y-y-yes y’all, feelin’ funky fresh y’all
Work to be the best y’all, work good under pressure
Been through all that stress y’all, get this off my chest y’all
Made it out them projects with this project, that’s progress y’all
#6. “Courage to Change” – Sia
Whether you’re making a change for yourself or undergoing a difficult transition in life – enduring these changes takes courage! “Courage to Change” by Sia reminds us that being courageous and leaning on support from others is not mutually exclusive.
Lyrics we love:
You’re not alone in all this
You’re not alone, I promise
Standing together, we can do anything
#5. “Living in the Moment” – Jason Mraz
A peaceful, uplifting song about finding joy in the present. Jason Mraz’s “Living in the Moment” teaches us that personal growth isn’t always achieving that big goal or dream, sometimes it’s about learning how to relax, unwind, and appreciate the simple pleasures of life.
Lyrics we love:
Living in the moment
Living my life
Easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
With peace in my heart
Peace in my soul
Wherever I’m going, I’m already home
I’m Living in the moment
#4. “Try Everything” – Shakira
Think back to when you first learned how to ride a bike – I’m sure it took a few tries (and even a few falls) before you were able to do it on your own. “Try Everything” by Shakira reminds us that mistakes are inevitable, but the important thing is that we keep trying!
Lyrics we love:
Birds don’t just fly, they fall down and get up
Nobody learns without getting it wrong
I won’t give up, no, I won’t give in
‘Til I reach the end and then I’ll start again
No, I won’t leave, I wanna try everything
I wanna try even though I could fail
I won’t give up, no, I won’t give in
#3. “Underdog” – Alicia Keys
If you’ve ever felt like an underdog, this song by Alicia Keys is the song for you! It’s a reminder that even when the world tells us we can’t achieve our dreams, they’re still our dreams to chase. So tune out the critics and just keep going!
Lyrics we love:
They said I would never make it
But I was built to break the mold
The only dream that I’ve been chasing is my own
This goes out to the underdog
Keep on keeping at what you love
You’ll find that someday soon enough
You will rise up, rise up, yeah
#2. “Best is Yet To Come” – LuvBug
The thing about growth is that it’s actually never finished! Throughout our whole lives, we will be challenged, stretched, and pushed to be better humans. “Best is Yet To Come” by LuvBug is an excellent reminder of this.
Lyrics we love:
I’m still reaching for the sun
Cos my best is yet to come
#1. “The Other Side” – SZA and Justin Timberlake
As we grow and change, it’s easy to compare ourselves to others and lose sight of our own progress. The Other Side” by SZA and Justin Timberlake reminds us that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side – so try to stay focused on your own growth and accomplishments!
Lyrics we love:
Hey you, stop stressin’ ’bout what you’re missin’
So blue, just take it easy, take your time
If you think my words are wise, just try it for yourself
I promise the stars will light the path you walk, don’t give in
Got a heart of gold, what a shame to go to waste
The clouds will open up, blue skies are willing
That’s a Wrap! What We’ve Learned
- The first step towards personal growth is to believe that you can grow.
- Accept that the process can be messy and frustrating.
- Remind yourself that it’s okay to make mistakes.
- Refrain from comparing your progress to others.
- Reach out to others when you need support – it’s not a sign of weakness.
- Be supportive of others through their growth journeys.
- Show yourself (and others) love, kindness, and compassion through change.
Check Out the Playlists!
If you would like to save this playlist and listen later, you can find it on YouTube and Spotify by following the links below:
- YouTube – 18 Songs About Personal Growth
- Spotify – 18 Songs About Personal Growth
Other LJP Playlists You Might Like
If you enjoyed this playlist, check out some of our other mental health playlists!
- Top 20 Songs to Help You Find Your Brave
- 20 Songs that Inspire Change Within Ourselves and the World
- 15 Songs for Self-Expression
- Your Self-Care Weekend Playlist
Further Resources on Growth and Change
If you found this article helpful, check out these other resources on personal growth and change provided by The Lily-Jo Project.
About the Author: Shelby Hale
Shelby has been with The Lily-Jo Project since October of 2018, serving as the platform’s PR and Communications Manager. Having lived in four different countries throughout her young adulthood, Shelby is passionate about the positive impact new experiences can have on mental health.
When she’s not working with The Lily-Jo Project, she supports other projects through her creative agency, Hale Marketing and Communications. If you’d like to stay updated with Shelby’s story, you can find her on Instagram and Twitter.
