Chair Flying - Mentally Rehearse Your 1099 Moves

by Dale Davidson

I was listening to an episode of Built to Sell where the host interviews Hasard Lee, a fighter pilot and author of the book: The Art of Clear Thinking: A Stealth Fighter Pilot's Timeless Rules for Making Tough Decisions.

In the interview and book, Lee introduces the concept of chair flying, which is basically a mental rehearsal of an upcoming flight or mission.

The technique dated back to World War II aviators; however, we made slight alterations based on modern neuroscience. Students would close their eyes and mentally rehearse a flight while incorporating as many senses as possible. This allowed them to practice the concepts they had learned in the same way they would be using them during an actual flight. While it was a great tool for preparation, we also used it to build their confidence. When chair flying, students would visualize themselves successfully completing each maneuver—if doubt crept in or they felt they had made a mistake, then they would simply repeat the maneuver or procedure until they had successfully completed it in their minds.

But how would this work in a business or 1099 setting?

Well, you can mentally rehearse almost anything involved in getting your 1099 gig.

For example:

  • You can mentally rehearse the upcoming meeting with your boss when you're going to tell you want to go 1099
  • Anticipate in your mind any obstacles coming your way, like when you're boss says no, and what you will do or say
  • Think about how your client would react to some of your idea, and anticipate any objections
  • Script and rehearse your questions for any recruiters that may reach out to you about W2 jobs that you want to flip to 1099
  • Forecast what you will do if your current 1099 gig gets canceled for whatever reason. What will be your natural emotional reaction and how can you head that off?

It costs nothing besides your time to "chair fly" your upcoming Going 1099 mission. By doing so, you'll feel more confident in the whole endeavor and increase your chances of success.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.

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