Cover of the book Start With What If
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Start With What If

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

For years, I watched people work hard on change only to get pulled right back into old patterns. Not because they didn’t want to grow, but because the moment got the better of them.

I’ve been there too.

Over time, I learned that the fastest way out of that loop isn’t more effort. It’s a better question. That idea became The What If Rule: you can always intentionally create better perspectives and options.

In Start With What If, I share how I use that rule through one simple question each week. It’s a practical way to slow down, reset your thinking, and choose a more intentional next step when life and work get noisy.

“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 review

That’s the heart of it. Practical. Usable. Grounded in real life.

Purchase on Amazon
Doug Fleener and his wife
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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.

Learn more.

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.

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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.

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    WHAT READERS AND AUDIENCES SAY

    • "Doug's honesty and candor about his own challenges and how they mobilized a life long journey of development are truly inspiring. "

      David W

    •  "It was a wonderful treat to have had you come to South Africa. You have given us some simple and robust tools to implement."

      Galvin B

    • "Fleener's candidness and vulnerability draw readers into his own journey of growth and self-discovery, reminding us that success often emerges from the ashes of failure. "

      Steve K

    • “You’re the best, Doug! Seeing you speak left a lasting impression on me for the rest of my life!”

      Bruce K

    • “It is really hard to present to a group twice in 6 months and hit it out of the park both times, but the feedback is you did just that!”

      Tom T

    • “Start With What If is a terrific approach to making lasting change in life. I love self-help books that give practical tips you can use right away. Recommended!”

      NetGalley early review

    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 listening to speaker

    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

    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
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