13 Signs That You Need More Free Time

You're Grateful for Cancellations

The end of the day is rolling around. A meeting- and drama-packed day at work has left you exhausted. You have dinner plans across town with a friend, but you'd love nothing more than to go home and collapse with a bubble bath and a glass of wine. One of two scenarios will ensue: You will cancel, or you will silently hope for a cancellation (a storm, your friend flaking, perhaps even a non-life-threatening medical emergency). If you've got cancellations in the mix at least a couple of times a week—either canceling or praying for cancellations—this is a sign your time balance is out of whack.

Try this: If you're often grateful for cancellations, whether initiated by you or not, this is a sure sign you are overbooked (you're tired, or your schedule is just too tight). As difficult as it may be to pare back, take your schedule for the next two weeks and cut at least three appointments each week. Be ruthless. See how those weeks feel as you live them out with more breathing room.