I’ve just come in from a lovely Friday night out with hubby. It was a long, but wonderful week, and I was ready to get away from the computer. Of course, always in the back of my mind, I’m thinking of the next story to write and I’m constantly on the watch for some seemingly mundane thing that is really full of meaning, just waiting for me to unearth it.I think I found just such a thing tonight. Let me set the stage…We drove a few miles south to beautiful Pawleys Island, SC, to our favorite sushi bar and restaurant. It’s set under a giant live oak tree dripping with Spanish moss. The weather was perfect for enjoying outside dining. But first, we went in to the bar to chat for a few minutes with the bartender and the sushi chef. While seated at the bar, I watched the young bartender polishing glasses, artfully uncorking wine bottles for patrons, chatting with the guys about the game on the overhead TV’s. Things were neat, in order and sparkling clean, which combined to create a very warm and inviting atmosphere. I felt like I could have been at the home of a trusted friend.My mind wandered back many years to the days when I was a waitress. I had two young children and I was in college full time. We would all go to school, come home about the same time and do our homework together. When dad arrived home to be with the kids, I would take off for the fine dining establishment that had become my second home. Work began instantly to get ready for the evening’s diners. Ice bins to fill, butter to be scooped, salt & pepper shakers checked and filled, wine inventory checked, linen napkins folded, flowers arranged on the tables, good Southern iced tea to be made, lemons to be cut just right (wedges, not slices!), sugar bowls to fill (NEVER any paper items on our tables), and it went on and on…By the time the first guests arrived, the candles were lit and we were standing by smiling and acting very nonchalant, as though we had freshly arrived on the scene, and put on our aprons just to open the door and welcome them. Who knew? We were actually close to exhaustion by this time. I would arrive home around midnight and be up early the next morning to start it all over again. I made extremely good money for those few hours each night, probably because it was such a classy place. Looking back, I don’t know where I found the energy. Ah, the benefits of youth!So, tonight, as I watched the bartender, the chef and the other staff, it occurred to me all the prep work they had done so that I could stroll in, sit down and enjoy great food, drinks, and good service, in a lovely setting.You know, our work is like that, too. Most of us reading this article have a business of some sort, many of us working online. We have LOTS of prep work to do that no one sees. Yet, when they look at our store, our place of business, or our websites, they see something that looks fairly effortless. But, we know better, don’t we?I dedicate this article to all the work done BEHIND THE SCENES to serve your clients and offer them the very best you have. I’ve visited many of your places of business, I’ve seen your websites and even purchased products from many of you. I appreciate ALL you do BEHIND THE SCENES to make it happen.

Sometimes we all need a little lift. Whether you’ve had a recent knock to your confidence, have been going through stress in your personal or professional life, or have always struggled with your self-esteem, music is an essential tool for lifting your spirits and making you feel better about yourself.

According to a study by Heriot-Watt University, the type of music you listen to not only influences your mood, but also your personality, with indie and rock/heavy metal fans reporting the lowest levels of self-esteem, while fans of jazz, blues, opera, classical, pop, rap and soul all reported high levels of self-confidence.

So if you’re having a ‘down day’, why not boost your spirits by listening to some powerful, uplifting tracks? Here are five perfect confidence boosters.

Britney Spears – Toxic
Britney’s own struggles with her mental health and conservatorship have made her an inspiration for many people across the world.

This classic song is timelessly sensual, and the heavy beats throughout make it impossible not to dance to. A welcome blast of nostalgia, this tune has filled dance floors across the globe with fans old and new.

The video features Britney as a female spy playing the sexy flight attendant, seducing her passenger before she makes her escape on a motorbike and breaks into a high-security facility guarded by a laser security system.

This track and video is a guaranteed way to feel invincible, and deserves a place on your playlist no matter your mood.

Kelis – Milkshake
A cheesy classic that is guaranteed to make you feel all warm and gooey inside, Kelis pumps up the heat in this 00’s RnB track. Underpinned by intricate drum beats and electric elements, Kelis’ self-confidence is infectious, and it’s hard not to find yourself smiling at the lyrics.

This track is a great way to get into a flirtatious mindset, making it a great choice before going on a date or heading out for the evening.

And if you’re staying in? It’s a great mood lift. But beware! You may find yourself craving a sweet treat.

Eve (ft. Gwen Stefani) – Let Me Blow Your Mind
This RnB classic will capture your attention with its assertive rhythm and powerful vocals from 00’s icons Eve and Gwen Stefani. Featuring a laid-back – yet self-assured – beat, and catchy guitar riff, this is a great track for driving, and its empowering feel is sure to help you feel motivated.

Got a job interview lined up, or thinking of asking for a raise? This anthemic number is a quick way to feel positive and more assertive.

The video features Eve and Gwen Stefani crashing an exclusive event on quad bikes, causing a stir among the privileged attendants, and shoving the performer off stage to perform their own music, before finally being arrested and taken to the station in a police van.

This ‘baddie’ track helps you to tap into the hidden ‘bold’ side of your personality, and lifts your mood while keeping you feeling calm and cool.

Fergie – MILF$
If you have kids, it can be difficult to feel sexy. When you’re running around cleaning the house, changing nappies, or up to your elbows in dishwater, you can easily forget your sensual side – leaving you feeling frumpy and lacking in confidence and motivation.

Thankfully, Fergie’s comeback track is a quick remedy to your low mood and lethargy.

Featuring attractive mothers dressed in curve-hugging latex and silky lingerie going about their daily life in a dreamy, colourful suburbia, this track is a quick way to transform your self-esteem and transport you to a world where you are not just a mother, but a goddess too.

Why not shake off the day and tap into your feminine energy with Fergie, your sexiest PJs, and a bottle of your favourite wine?

Marina And The Diamonds – How To Be A Heartbreaker
Low confidence after a breakup? You’re not alone. Having your heart broken can leave you feeling depressed, undesirable, and unmotivated. So flip the tables on your ex and become a heartbreaker with Marina’s catchy club classic.

This empowering dance track will make you want to move your body and get in touch with your bad girl side, with its heavy beat and pounding rhythms.

Plus, if your libido has suffered as a result of your low mood, take a sneaky peek at the video – it will get your blood pumping with its steamy shower shots and smoking hot male models.