The Soundtrack to Your Come Up

Today, a box of my things from LA arrived—the official closing to my move back to the East Coast. A memory crossed my mind about a keepsake that's packed in there– a plaque I was awarded in the Citywide Science Fair.

In the 90's, when I was in elementary school I did a science project that, looking back, feels way ahead of its time. I remember the day my teacher asked what my topic would be and the puzzled, but interested, look on her face when I told her. "I want to study how music affects your pulse rate." I went home to tell my mother since, ultimately, she'd be the one helping to build out my presentation. She had the same interested look as my teacher and she asked, so how are you going to test this?  "Simple, I'll go classroom to classroom and ask the teachers if I could borrow a few students" I said with enthusiasm because that's how music made me feel–enthusiastic!  I’d put headphones on the kids and play three different genres of music, then take their pulse.

I was just a kid, but even then I felt something deep about music and I wanted to prove a point. 

Music is more than sound—it's medicine, memory, and motivation.

That experiment wasn’t just about pulse rates—it was about connection. I didn’t have the language for it at the time, but I knew music could change how people felt. It could calm you, hype you up, make you think, or even make you cry. And years later, I still believe that music is one of the most powerful tools we have.

Music can be the coach in your ear when you need to push through—whether it’s working out, cleaning your space, starting your day, or facing something hard. The right beat or lyric can shift your entire mindset. A soothing instrument can relax your mind and decompress the stress of your day. That’s not just emotion; that’s science. Studies show music affects heart rate, stress levels, and even the way we process pain.

Music can heal things that spoken words sometimes can’t reach. It gives you space to feel things fully, and it helps you release what you’ve been carrying.

So, if you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, numb, or even just unmotivated, I ask you, what’s your soundtrack right now?

Are you listening to music that's lifting you up or soothing your nervous system? Or is your playlist pulling you deeper into the fog? Music can affect your nervous system positively or it can drive your heart rate up and stress you out even more. 

Use music with intention.
Use it to move forward.
Use it to connect to yourself again.

Because whether it’s a song that sparks creativity, brings peace to your nervous system, or reminds you of who you are—music holds power. The kind that can help you reset, heal, and find your momentum again.

Incase you didn't know, here at THE CEO STYLE, we've been curating Spotify playlists for real life—by mood, moment, or mindset. Whether you need to reset, tap in, turn up, or wind down, there’s a playlist for that.

So if you’ve been feeling off balance, disconnected, or feeling like your momentum’s slipping—maybe it’s time to change the soundtrack!

Let music work for you.
Let it move you—literally and emotionally.

Check out our playlists below and press play with purpose.

Peace.

written by Morgan | @MORGANtheCEO 

 To Jazz, with Love Playlist

• Best For: Relaxed mornings, unwinding with intention

• Benefits: Mood regulation, emotional warmth, mindfulness

Black Folk Jazz Singin' Playlist

• Best For: Self-care, morning routines, spiritual connection, cultural reflection

• Benefits: Heritage healing, deep soul restoration

Grind To Greatness Rap Playlist

• Mood: Focused, driven, relentless

• Best For: Early mornings, late nights, goal setting, business moves, gym sessions

• Benefits: Motivation, mental toughness, confidence, “get it done” energy

Classical Focus Playlist

• Mood: Calm, focused, elevated

• Best For: Studying, working, meditating, creative brainstorming

• Benefits: Mental clarity, reduced stress, enhanced focus and flow

Soulful Nostalgia R&B Playlist

• Mood: Romantic, warm, nostalgic

• Best For: Sunday cleaning, long drives, reconnecting with memories or relationships

• Benefits: Comfort, emotional connection, joy from familiarity

Blues Kid Playlist

• Mood: Raw, emotional, soul-stirring

• Best For: Late nights, emotional healing, deep thought, sipping something strong

• Benefits: Emotional release, authenticity, soulful grounding