What is NEO?
Instead of doing the super-boring explainer, I thought it would be more enjoyable and easier to get what the true value of NEO is with some stories… 😉
"In the past few weeks, I have constantly felt tired. Only by focusing on the results of my work and my much-needed revenue, have I managed to drag myself through. But now, I am at my breaking point. Yesterday, I visited my doctor, who immediately prescribed eight weeks of complete rest. I'm on the verge of burnout. This goes against my nature, but I am forced to do it. For my family, for my clients, and most importantly‚ for myself."
Last Friday, I received this message from a colleague. He's someone I truly appreciate and work closely with. Naturally, I wish him all the best. When I discussed this with my partner, she told me that several people at her work are also burned out and at home. It's simply too busy. And the fact that her colleagues are at home puts even more pressure on the rest: "We were just chatting with a couple of people about how we won't see Kirsten for the next few months. She had developed serious health issues and has been admitted to the emergency. As we were sharing our heartfelt concerns about our colleague, our manager walked by and immediately reprimanded us: 'Well? I hear you're all so busy, but apparently not? I see you have lots of time to chat? Get to work!' Honestly, that was the last straw. I'm really curious to see who will or won't show up next Monday."
Yesterday, Sunday evening, I said goodbye to my daughter and her BFF, who are going to the seaside this week. As we exchanged hugs and kisses, my daughter's friend's mother came up to me and said, "Tomorrow, I'm going to see my therapist. I'm hitting the pause button. I can't do it anymore‚… it's been enough, …" We looked at her in astonishment; "Because of work?" "Yes," she said, "we're in the middle of the sales, but there's practically no staff. It's just not doable like this. I know there will be financial consequences, but I can't do it anymore, …"
I quietly suspect that this conversation could have gone on for a few more hours, but the girls had to leave. What stays with me most from this weekend is that, in just three days, three people told me they have had enough. That the endless busyness and constant striving for results are actually destructive. Humans are not made for living under constant pressure; it goes against our nature.
Yet, there is a possibility, an opportunity, a way to do things differently. That is the essence of NEO: No Expected Outcome. It is an option to move from energy drainers to energy givers. From obligatory output to personal freedom. From: "we must" to: "we can". From being tired to being well.
Breaking out of that vicious cycle requires courage and a change of mindset. But fortunately, there is science and strategy. I developed the NEO strategy as a way to get through a difficult period myself, which was overflowing with hitting a financial rock bottom, an emotional rollercoaster and a physical toll on my health and well-being.
Rock bottom
Last year, my business went under. We had started the company with four partners back in 2003. But during the COVID period, two business partners couldn't generate revenue because of COVID infections and other restrictions… Our business couldn't withstand the repetition of lockdowns and protective measures.
In the past eighteen months, I have had to completely reorient myself, rebuild my business from the ground up. But it also had a significant impact on my family. Because at the same time, we were searching for a new home, a new mortgage, a new life. At one point, I looked at our bank accounts. They were all deeply in the red.
So every free moment; evenings, weekends, mornings, and nights turned into necessary 'productive' time. I focused so hard on the rebuilding that I took a toll on my health. My weight increased visibly. I developed a heart condition.
Up until one good Friday, when I was sitting in front of my screen‚ … with thousands of predetermined goals and desired outcomes for that day. And I felt myself block, …. Nothing was coming in. Nothing was going out. I felt completely drained‚ … exhausted‚ … done‚ … done‚ … done.
Just then, my gaze fell on the synthesizer I got a few weeks earlier. It was a present. It was still in the box. As I opened it, I felt a spark of energy. Curious, I plugged the device into my computer. I touched the keys, and a wonderful sound embraced me. My heart jumped in my chest‚ … I savoured the moment and immersed myself in wonderful sounds. So I made music, … all day long.
That Friday evening, as I walked my dog in the park, I let my thoughts wander. And suddenly, it struck me; I had discovered something that could really help me. Instead of constantly exhausting myself‚ … instead of pushing myself to achieve seemingly unattainable results‚ … instead of constantly chasing my tail trying to keep up with the demands of the day‚ … I allowed myself to have "no outcomes". No goal, other than to enjoy the journey‚ … being creative. To live IN the moment. In flow, … All the things I had learned as a coach, I had brought together in a simple strategy: "No Expected Outcome".
When I talk to people about NEO, I find that I strike a chord every time. I see people whose eyes fill with tears; they tell me how my story is also their story. At the same time, I hear them sigh: "I wish I could do this too‚ … My boss would never allow it‚ … I still need to make billable hours‚ … Yes, I get that this works for you, but I don't see how I could do it‚ …"
I find those reactions particularly interesting; on one hand, you realize how important NEO is, and on the other hand, you don't know how to get started? Well, let's just make sure you can start with NEO yourself right away with small steps. Not because you have to, but simply because you can!
What to expect
I want nothing more than to pass on what I have learned. So that you too can experience how different life can be when you not only recognize and understand the NEO strategy but also truly enjoy living it.
In my free-ebook and podcast, I'll take you on a journey through the NEO strategy. We start with the basics: what exactly NEO is, why it is important, and how it came into being. Then we will dive deeper into the neurological and psychological benefits of this approach. I will give you practical tips for setting up your own NEO day and how to integrate these principles into both your personal and professional life.
Picture yourself not just surviving, but thriving. Picture a day where the only item on your to-do list is: "Have fun." Imagine that! NEO isn't just about productivity, it's about joy. It's about taking a moment. To get out. To learn a new skill. To read a book. To create something new, or to simply breathe without the weight of the world on your shoulders.
When was the last time you allowed this for yourself, just because it made you smile? With NEO, you'll have many more of such precious moments.
As counterintuitive as it may seem, by not focusing on results for 20% of your work time, you soon achieve more results than you ever could have before. Because you give yourself the chance to recharge with inspiration, creativity, and meaning.
And you can rest assured, what you’ll be discovering next goes against the ‘common business sense’. The NEO strategy goes against all the popular assumption we entertain about how productive people should be. That makes NEO even more important and relevant to you. Even if you are part of that system. Even though you are a professional, a manager, or a business owner, you’ll have an interest in learning how you can beat the system, hands down! I will show you exactly how you can swim with the current and change the system from within. My purpose here is to empower you!
Would you like to learn how NEO can work for you too?
Are you ready to embark on an enriching journey together?
I'm certain you're curious already, so let's go! 👍
Let's make this YOUR NEO day!
Steff
