It’s that time of year when I love to start preparing my Next Year’s Soundtrack—a playlist rooted in the feeling I want to embrace or feel I’ll need for the upcoming year.
For many of us, the new year invites reflection on where we’ve been and the path we want to forge—or even the space we want to rest in for a while. It’s a chance to align our goals and aspirations with the emotions we wish to share with our family, friends, colleagues, and community. Music, with its unique ability to evoke and anchor feelings, can be a powerful resource to help take us there more efficiently and effectively.
Why Music Can Help You Achieve Your Goals
Music has the power to shape our environment and transform how we experience the world. Creating a purposeful playlist turns your auditory diet into a vision board for your year. Each song can act as a reminder of your goals, a motivator to keep going, and a companion all along the way.
“Music has the capacity to help you with whatever you are going through. It can truly be your sure friend. Every playlist you develop will bring you into a deep-seated creative process that will ease your mind and guide you to see your world through a different lens. If you reflect on the past, stay open in the moment, and are willing to embrace the new, your memories, moods, and motivations will continue to grow and change — bringing you a life that is fuller, and more fulfilling, than the life you otherwise would have had. A life that is truly Wellness, Wellplayed.”
– excerpt from the Wellness, Wellplayed, The Power of a Playlist
3 Steps to Creating a Purposeful and Meaningful Playlist
Let’s dive into the steps to create your Next Year’s Soundtrack for 2025—whether you’re seeking growth, resilience, or simply joy in your life’s journey.
1. Set a Goal, Intention, or Desired Feeling for 2025
Before selecting your songs, start by asking yourself: How do I want to feel in 2025?
What feeling do I need, want, or desire to strengthen, explore, and embrace in the new year?
This step helps clarify your purpose and set an anchor. The goal could be as grand as finding balance in a chaotic world or as simple as making space for peace each day.
Here are some examples to spark inspiration:
- Confident
- Serene
- Connected
- Curious
- Hopeful
- Joyful
- Resilient
- Grateful
- Compassionate
- Inspired
- Courageous
- Playful
- Empowered
- Contented
- Focussed
For me, 2024’s feeling was Fun. This year, I’m leaning toward feeling Brave.
What’s yours? Take a minute to write it down somewhere.
2. Curate Songs that Resonate with Your Intention
Now comes the fun (and sometimes surprising) part: selecting songs. The challenge is to find tracks that evoke your chosen feeling every time you hear them. You’ll know you’ve found the right song when your body responds—it might be a smile, a sway, or even a sigh of relief – depending on the feeling you are hoping to achieve.
Pro Tip: Don’t shy away from unexpected genres or songs and explore beyond your usual favourites. Often, these surprise tracks tap into new emotional spaces. And remember, this playlist is fluid. If a song no longer sparks your intended feeling, change it.
3. Share and Celebrate Your Playlist
A playlist is a personal journey, but sharing it can amplify its impact. When you share your playlist, you invite connection—whether it’s swapping song ideas with friends or starting a “music hub” where you discuss and explore one another’s soundtracks.
In my book Wellness, Wellplayed, I share steps for starting a Music Hub – a place where those curious about music and the music preferences of others gather to exchange their playlists, reflect on their choices, and discover new tracks together. Why not invite your circle to join you on this journey? Or, share your playlist on social media. If you do, please use #WellnessWellplayed—I’d love to see what inspires you in 2025!
Let Music Be Your Companion
As you step into 2025, let music guide you. Whether it’s energizing you for a new project, comforting you on tough days, or simply making your commute more enjoyable, your playlist will serve as a reminder of the intention you’ve set.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your journey. I can’t wait to hear the soundtracks that will shape your year.
Here’s to a 2025 filled with inspiration, connection, and purpose.
Happy New Year!
With warmth,
Jennifer
P.S. I’ll be sharing my feeling BRAVE playlist soon—stay tuned!