Cover of the book Start With What If

Weekly Questions to Spark Immediate Change and Growth (Now available)

Start With What If

Immediate, practical change and growth for everyday life.

Most people don't struggle with change because they lack motivation or effort. They struggle because real life doesn't pause.

Pressure shows up. Emotions spike. Old habits kick in. And in the moments that matter most, people react before they choose.

I know that loop well. I lived it for years.

What I eventually learned is that the fastest way forward isn't trying harder. It's learning how to pause long enough to interrupt the pattern.

That insight became The What If Rule—a simple method: Pause. Question. Go. It's grounded in one core belief: you can always intentionally create better perspectives and options.

Start With What If shows how to use that pause on purpose. The book is built around one question each week, designed to interrupt your default reactions just long enough to help you choose a better next step. Not after the moment has passed. In the middle of it.

This is not about fixing yourself or overhauling your life. It's about small, intentional interruptions that change how your days actually unfold.

"This book goes beyond motivation. It shows you how to actually apply the What If Rule in real life, with clear examples you can use immediately." — Early reader

I went from addiction and starting over to Director of Retail for Bose Corporation and CEO of a national company. Everything I teach comes from real transformation, not theory.

Get the book now or sign up for weekly What If questions to start putting this to work immediately.

Doug Fleener and his wife Joanna

Hello. I’m Doug Fleener

I am a coach, speaker, writer, and What If catalyst who turns everyday moments into a better day and life.

After hitting rock bottom with addiction, I rebuilt my life, led companies, and discovered the simple principle behind The What If Rule that creates immediate and lasting transformation.

With over 30 years of experience, I bring clarity, energy, and a focus on action to every event. My work isn't about someday—it's about what you can do today to make an even better tomorrow.

And my wife, Joanna, makes every day better.

Doug’s Insights Have Been Featured In

Logos of The Boston Globe, Business Insider, The New York Times, WSJ, and Fast Company.

And hundreds of newspapers, magazines, and podcasts.

Subscribe to The What If Weekly Newsletter

Copy of Doug Fleener's What If Weekly newsletter

    One short email every week with a real-life story, a practical takeaway, and a question to help you see more options and take better action.

    Join thousands of readers applying The What If Rule to create better perspectives and options—in work, life, and everyday moments.

    Enter your email and sign up at no cost.. Scroll down to read current issues.

    WHAT READERS AND AUDIENCES SAY

    What If You Connected with The What If Rule Today?

    SPEAKING

    Turn your event into a catalyst for real growth and transformation. Learn more about booking Doug Fleener.

    MORE ABOUT BOOKING DOUG
    Audience

    THE DAILY WHAT IF

    The Daily What If is a quick daily prompt that helps you pause, think differently, and move forward with intention.

    MORE ABOUT THE DAILY WHAT IF
    Daily What If sample

    COACHING

    What if one question sparked your next big change and growth moment? And what if we can do it in a single session?

    MORE ABOUT COACHING