In the classic film The Hustler, Jackie Gleason’s character Minnesota Fats battles Fast Eddie Felson in an all-night match between two billiard greats. Neither gives in, and the sun shines again, with both men exhausted. They agree to take a break. Minnesota Fats showers, shaves, and changes clothes. He returns looking refreshed, while Fast Eddie remains disheveled and exhausted. Fats then beats him. 

 

I recall this cinematic moment when contemplating “renewal.” Despite his fatigue, Fats goes through the process of cleaning up and making himself look sharp. It’s transformative. He begins to feel renewed, and the shots start to fall. He separates himself from his opponent. 

 

His physical renewal leads to mental rejuvenation. I often think about this in my own life, both personally and professionally. The power of a fresh start, a clean slate, and a new perspective — it’s transformative. 

 

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In business, we often get so caught up in the day-to-day grind that we forget to step back, reassess, and renew ourselves. We keep plugging away, even when our strategies are stale, our energy is low, and our results could be better. 

But what if we took a page from Minnesota Fats’ playbook? What if, even amid our busiest, most challenging times, we consciously tried to renew ourselves and our businesses? It’s August, meaning vacations are over, and we’re “back to business.” 

 

But renewal can happen even during our busiest days. Renewal is about our small, consistent actions to refresh our perspective and recharge our batteries. 

So, what does that look like in practice? Here are a few ideas: 

 

• Take a Step Back: When did you last take a bird’s eye view of your business? Set aside some time to review your goals, strategies, and results. Are you still on track? Are there areas that need adjusting? Sometimes, just zooming out can provide much-needed clarity and direction.

 

• Seek Fresh Perspectives: It’s easy to get tunnel vision when you’re deep in the trenches of your business. Make a point to seek out new ideas and perspectives, whether by attending an industry conference, joining a mastermind group, or even having coffee with a mentor or peer. Exposing yourself to new ways of thinking can spark creativity and innovation.

 

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• Prioritize Self-Care: As business owners, we often put our needs last. But just like Minnesota Fats’ shower and shave, taking care of ourselves is crucial for our performance. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and making time for exercise and relaxation. When you feel your best, you’ll perform your best.

 

• Refresh Your Space: Our physical environment greatly impacts our mental state. Look at your workspace — is it cluttered, drab, or uninspiring? Consider doing a little spring cleaning, adding some plants or artwork, or rearranging your desk. A refreshed space can lead to a refreshed mind.

 

• Learn Something New: When we stop learning, we stop growing. Commit to continuous learning, whether by taking an online course, reading industry blogs, or even setting aside time each week to dive into a new topic. The more you learn, the more you can bring to your business.

 

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• Celebrate Your Wins: In the hustle to reach the next goal, it’s easy to forget to celebrate how far you’ve come. Take time to acknowledge your accomplishments, big and small. Share your wins with your team, your family, and your network. Celebrating your progress can give you the motivation and momentum to keep going.

 

At HireSmart Virtual Employees, we’re big believers in the power of renewal — both for ourselves and our clients. That’s why we offer ongoing support and leadership classes for our virtual employees (VEs), ensuring they’re always growing and bringing fresh perspectives to their work. We also encourage our clients to step back and reassess their needs regularly so we can adapt our support to their evolving goals. 

 

Here’s what one of our clients had to say about her HireSmart VE, Jimly. 

 

“Every day, her attitude and overall performance is outstanding,” the client said. “She surprises me more each day with her ability to follow orders and execute them with great precision. I truly feel like the caliber of worker she is, you only meet once in a great while.” 

 

So, as you move forward in your business, take a lesson from Minnesota Fats. Find ways to renew yourself even in your busiest, most challenging moments. Step back, refresh your perspective, and come back to the table ready to make your best shots. 

 

And if you need a partner in the process, HireSmart is here to help. Our VEs can provide the fresh perspectives, skill sets, and support you need to renew and grow your business. It’s an investment in your ongoing success. 

 

Our VEs receive health and dental benefits at no cost to clients, good salaries for their market, scholarship opportunities for their children, leadership training opportunities, and a work-from-home setup that helps VEs be present for their families. 

 

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Business success — as in billiards — is about the long game. It’s about consistency, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. So take a breath, step back, and return to the table refreshed and ready to win. 

Click here to schedule a consultation and learn more about how a HireSmart VE can help.