I should probably preface this by saying that I haven’t been the leader of anything since I was the President of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl team sometime in high school (don’t laugh, I hail from Florida). Therefore, I can’t exactly state with any sort of confidence that these songs will actually make you the next president of anything, but IMHO, these selections are golden.

Also, be forewarned that some of the songs come from a bit of a feminine voice. Perhaps that’s because I’m secretly gunning more for the future female leaders of America (any man that likes Kelly Clarkson is also fine by me) just in case things don’t work out for Hillary.

I’ve divided my song selections into categories for your reading convenience:

Keeping Your Composure:

1. Breathe - Michelle Branch

Embrace these lyrics: “If I just breathe... everything will be alright”

You obviously need to breathe to get anywhere in life. It’s just that there are so many damn songs about breathing that it’s really hard to choose one. However, I decided to nix Maroon 5’s “Harder to Breathe” (the chorus might inadvertently trigger panic attacks in someone instead of inspiration) as well as Anna Nalick’s “Breathe” (since she only espouses breathing at 2 a.m. while breathing should, in fact, occur constantly). Thus, I settled on Michelle Branch’s “Breathe”; while a little poppy and feminine, Michelle speaks words of wisdom: “If I just breathe...everything will be alright.” I mean, even if everything in your life gets shot to hell, at least you won’t drop dead from lack of air.

2. Don’t Panic - Coldplay

Embrace these lyrics: “We live in a beautiful world”

Did you realize that the words “don’t panic” aren’t even in this song? I guess it’s implied. Whatever. Don’t do it or you won’t go too far. Also, remember that we live in a beautiful world. Yeah we do, yeah we do. Maybe this song is subliminally telling us to do something about global warming...

Getting to the Top:

3. Eye of the Tiger - Survivor

Embrace these lyrics: “Risin’ up, straight to the top. Have the guts, got the glory”

This song is self explanatory. It exudes inspiration. Just think about Sylvester Stallone punching meat, and you’re golden.

4. LSJUMB- All Right Now

Embrace these lyrics: None, it’s instrumental (unless the “5, 6, 7, 8” cueing the jump into the air counts, which actually is pretty important for feeling inspired)

Remind yourself (and others) that you went to Stanford... that Stanford degree that set somebody back about 200K has got to count for something!

5. Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway

Embrace these lyrics: “I’ll do what it takes ‘til I touch the sky.”

Perhaps this song sounds a little bit trite, but we all know that Kelly has an assertive side (just watch the “Since U Been Gone” music video). “I’ll do what it takes ‘til I touch the sky” is just Machiavellian philosophy (“The ends justify the means...”) disguised as girl power, and, thus, both genders can benefit from Kelly’s words here.

6. Don’t Stop Believin’ - Journey

Embrace these lyrics: The Title

This one’s pretty self-explanatory too. The members of Journey and Survivor should create some sort of an inspirational video...

Now That You’re President:

7. We Can Work it Out - The Beatles

Embrace these lyrics: “Life is very short and there’s no time for fussing and fighting, my friend.”

People in positions of high power frequently have to resolve conflicts. Skills in conflict resolution as taught by the Beatles are therefore essential. Have we tried this strategy in the Middle East yet?

8. It’s My Life - Bon Jovi (not No Doubt — Gwen Stefani inspires no one)

Embrace these lyrics: “I did it my way” and “You’re gonna hear my voice”

Bon Jovi speaks many wise words, particularly in this song (and if religion is the way you roll, you might reference “Livin’ on a Prayer” as well). Once you’re president, people are undoubtedly going to disagree with some of your decisions. Remind them kindly but assertively that they chose you.

9. This I Promise You - *N Sync

Embrace these lyrics: “Every word I say is true. This I promise you”

You’re going to have to promise people lots of stuff once you’re on top. Just remember the wisdom of everyone’s favorite boy band — make sure you’re telling the truth (or you’ll get yourself into big trouble). Ask Nixon. Or Ken Lay (if they weren’t dead).

10. Dirty Little Secret - All American Rejects

Embrace these lyrics: “Who has to know?”

There’s always a scandal once you’ve made it up to the top. Keep it on the DL. Wait. That’s bad advice. Refer back to #9 and never lie.

Good luck conquering the world. I expect some sort of compensation if these selections take anyone to high places!