Music is a universal language that communicates on a global level. Even if you have no idea what the lyrics are saying, music talks to you. Chris Chong is undoubtedly familiar with this phenomenon as he usually has background music playing in his online content or while driving around in his one-of-a-kind Tesla. Chris does have some themed playlists, and one of his favorites is retro tracks that embody motivation, a critical characteristic for any entrepreneur.

I Won’t Back Down – Tom Petty (1989)

The late, great Tom Petty gave us a lot of fantastic music, but this is one of his most recognized and beloved songs. It is about fighting for yourself even in the most unthinkable of circumstances and refusing to yield. It tells us never to give up, no matter what we are up against. This is a cardinal rule in entrepreneurship, especially if one wants to be successful.

Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us – Starship (1987)

Featured as the theme to the movie Mannequin, this song applies to married couples, sports teams, workgroups, and any entity looking to work together against even the most extreme odds. This catchy track is about common goals and how important it is for a group to have the same vision. It also depicts the importance of sharing strength among each other, a hallmark characteristic of teamwork.

Dream On – Aerosmith (1973)

One might think this rock anthem applies strictly to the music world, but it can be applied to any venture. By telling listeners to pay their dues in life and pursue their dreams as our time in this world is limited, it particularly speaks to people who are waiting for the “right time.” After all, there is no such thing as the right time, since a person can miss an opportunity in the blink of an eye.

Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey (1981)

This song came into existence when a band member’s father told him, “Don’t stop believing.” The rest of the lyrics are an observation of people gathered together from all walks of life, but they all had their own dreams. This beautifully structured number could be an entrepreneur’s soundtrack, especially as the structure builds up to the title finally being belted out in the chorus. If there is one piece of advice future business leaders hear, again and again, it’s never to stop believing in yourself.

Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi (1986)

This number is an accurate description for the first year or few years of a startup. The rest of the brilliant lyrics include bits like “halfway there” and “we’ll make it, I swear.” Once more, this sounds like something countless new businesses and entrepreneurs have said for years. While the song is about a struggling young couple, it flawlessly translates to the challenging first stages of a new business.

If you need a power song for motivation or inspiration to push you through your entrepreneurial hiccups, these gems are a great place to start. And Chong, due to his massive success in e-commerce and social media marketing, is a living example of entrepreneurial motivation.