Don't be productive

I'm an introvert by nature, which means meetings are particularly energy draining.

This means when meetings get moved or canceled, I get this overwhelming feeling of joy like I just won the lottery (usually).

There are two "productive" things to do with your newfound free time:

• You can be productive and knock out something else on your to-do list
• You can take a nap (or a walk, or something else you find pleasurable)

If you're a generally productive person, you will be inclined to choose the former.

If that's the case, I recommend NOT doing that and taking the latter option instead.

As a 1099, you are your own manager, and you can be a terrible manager at that. There is always something more to do.

But a good manager knows that if they're always on their team to get stuff done without allowing proper time for breaks and rest, they'll burn out.

So you need to learn to be a good self-manager and take advantage of opportunities for rest when they are presented to you.

So take that nap. It's a cornerstone of good self-management.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.