Do One Thing Different: Ten Simple Ways to Change Your Life

by Bill O'Hanlon

“If you do one thing different, read this book! It is filled with practical, creative, effective, down-to-earth solutions to life’s challenging problems.”—Michele Weiner-Davis, author of  Divorce Busting The 20th anniversary edition of a self-help classic, updated with a new Tapping into widespread popular interest in highly effective, short-term therapeutic approaches to personal problems, author Bill O’Hanlon offers 10 Solution Keys to help you free yourself from "analysis paralysis" and quickly get unstuck from aggravating problems. Tired of feeling stuck all the time when you’re trying to solve a problem or are facing conflict? Do you get easily flustered or angry when a negative confrontation arises? Have you ever wished you could communicate more easily with your spouse, kids, colleagues, or anyone else you have a difference in opinion with? In this newly updated edition of  Do One Thing Different , Bill O’Hanlon will arm you with his ten easy Solution Keys so that you can move quickly from "stuck" to "smooth sailing" in all aspects of your life. Humorous, direct, and—most important of all—effective, these keys will help you change how you view and "do" your problems—from difficult relationships to enhancing sexuality and resolving conflicts of all kinds. The next time you have a problem, try one of these Solution Grounded in therapeutic practice,  Do One Thing Different  will put you back in control of your emotions and your life.

Genres: Self Help, Psychology, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Inspirational, Business, Unfinished

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 1999

About the author

Bill O'Hanlon, M.S., is psychotherapist, author, and speaker.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_O&...

Librarian note:
Some books and editions are published under the full name of William Hudson O'Hanlon

Reviews

[Frrobins · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a therapist who uses both Solution Focused Techniques and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, there are some gems in this book to follow. However, I was nearly turned off by the oversell of SFT in the second chapter and general gimmickiness of it, which feeds into one of the criticisms of SFT, that it is so gimmicky. Yet what people who criticize SFT and people who initially start to practice it don't get is that is it NOT as easy as it sounds, and I think overselling how easy it is does a disservice both to SFT and to people who are expecting quick and easy changes.

The next few chapters were good and highlighted concrete steps people could take, and showed one of the big strengths of SFT, which is not pathologizing people, such is the case with the man who believed he was being assaulted by a demon every night. As someone extremely familiar with sleep paralysis, this is likely what was happening to the man, and there is a long cultural history of people believing they are being visited by succubi, but it does not mean those people are "crazy" or need to be hospitalized and medicated. SFT allowed the therapist to find some culturally appropriate behavioral modifications to attempt that worked for the client. Attempting behavioral interventions first to see what works is a step that mental health services need to take before moving to medication, rather than medicating first.

All the same, and my second criticism of SFT, is that while it is good for bringing about quick change, I often wondered how long lasting these changes were as I read through case study after case study in this book (and in follow up studies, CBT tends to bring about more lasting change than SFT). Which is why I tend to use SFT for extremely hostile, resistant clients or for people who need a quick intervention before moving on to something more sustaining.

Towards the end it did seem like anecdote after anecdote, sometimes so rapidly moving from one case to another I got whiplash.

I do think SFT works real well and comes very naturally to a certain group of people, so naturally that this group has a hard time understanding that a lot of other people have a hard time thinking that way, and overselling how easy it is to transform one's life using these methods causes frustration among those who don't think that way easily. Yet there are gems and some concrete stuff to do in the middle chapters that are good for people to know about.

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb. I loved all the vignettes and case studies. Raced through it a bit but I think I'll purchase my own copy just to have it. Love me some Solution-Focused Therapy!

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some useful strategies.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first half. The second half put me to sleep and I almost gave the book 2 stars, forgetting how much I enjoyed the first half. His ideas are an interesting twist on looking at problems and solving them for yourself. We all know ourselves better than anyone who could give us advice, so why not access the vast knowledge we all have about our own behaviors, habits, patterns, etc. Some very simple ideas that are extremely helpful, and that made me think in new ways -- which is why I love to read self-help books: to learn new things and stretch my mind a bit. I did not like many of the examples he used to explain things, nor did I like the layout of the book and the repetitive title sections that are a review right after you've read the same thing. That was weird to me, and I felt it distracted me from the content.

[Daniel Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those amazing self-help books I'd never heard of but it's had its ideas retaught in so many other books since.

If you're facing any problems in life that involve habitual behaviour, this book will help you change them. Combine it with ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) as taught by Dr Russ Harris in "The Happiness Trap" and you'll have advanced skills for handling everything life flings at you.

[Chanel Earl]

This book isn't a usual read for me, but I loved it. The principles and examples are clear succinct and helpful. I think most people could find something useful in here.

The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that even though it is a short book, it could have been shorter and more concise.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a bunch of great stories and examples in this book, but I'm giving it a three because it's not a book for everyone. It has lots of adult examples that would not be good for teenagers and I don't love all the examples as an adult either. So here's what you can take from it so you don't have to read it. If something isn't working, change one thing about how you are doing it and see if that works better.

[Dayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solving problems by doing one thing in a different way instead of trying to find excuses or reasons for the existence of the problem changes the problem from the past to the present or future and therefore not a permanent condition.

[Letha Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart ideas for change.

[Faterider · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a book that is centred on therapy, there is zilch mention of the attachment theory. And no wonder. This book advocates ‘solution-oriented therapy’ and suggests that people focus on taking steps to realise their ideal future rather than examine their past. Its applicability is raised manyfold when Bill O’Hanlon shares candidly the many authentic stories of how his form of therapy helped many individuals who were stuck in out-of-this-world situations get out of their funk and return to normalcy.
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I found myself taking photos twice so that I could share its insights with a pupil’s dad whose wife is battling cancer. Hopefully he will feel supported.
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It’s ironic that I know how to use this book to help some of my pupils but I don’t feel ready to articulate the problem areas in my new work life (since I haven’t even taught for a full school term yet). However, I do want to use action talk to convey a problem area convincingly during my upcoming work review. Here’s hoping that I succeed.

[Złota Pochodnia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember a few parts from when I read it back in the early 2000s.

1) The story about the drunk looking around under the streetlight when he'd lost his keys off in the dark somewhere.
2) The story about the man who thought his eating and weight were out of control, but never went over 280 pounds. Why wasn't he 350 pounds? He just couldn't stand the thought of himself that heavy.

The actual suggestions, in brief:

Try to find a simple change you can make, essentially. Respond differently, behave differently, change what you focus on, etc. Respect other people's viewpoints, but be clear about your own, and focus on taking and asking for action, specifics things that can change rather than vague complaints. The title really says it all. Make some kind of shift that changes your circumstances. Don't get bogged down in the whys, focus on how to fix it. It's about being solution-oriented.

After finishing it, I'd say it's super practical and worth a read for anyone stuck in a rut.

[Anand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Break the pattern, do more of what worked and works, and have a solution oriented approach rather than analysis, blames, doubts & labels. It is a wonderful concept, lucidly explained with plenty of examples, summaries and anecdotes and definitely adds a value to readers' life. Please note, the latter part of the book is for therapists and psychology enthusiasts. So if you are not one of these types, prefer to skim or skip.

[Mohammad · Rating 3 out of 5]

کتابشو دوس داشتم و خیلی مطالب کاربردی و مفیدی هم داره ولی برای الان من نه. اگر ۶ ۷ سال پیش بهش برخورد میکردم با توجه به افسردگی و شرایط اونموقع که داشتم خیلی میتونست بهم کمک کنه و میشد بهترین کتاب زندگیم:] گرچه همین الانم بعضی مواردش رو که واقعا خوب بود تمرین میکنم. در کل کسی که احساس میکنه بد تو زندگی گیر کرده بنظرم باید بخونه این کتاب رو
و راستی من با ترجمه محمد و سینا قصاح خوندم. خوب ترجمه کرده بودن.

[Renae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the simplicity, yet absolute usefulness of this book! Literally, "do one thing different!" Phenomenal concept that works! I love the examples and I love how practical the book is, it can be applied to anything!!! A positive for anyone, who is looking to make even the slightest change in their lives! Try it out!

[Marjorie Ann Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how his Solutions-Oriented Therapy breaks the initial stereotypes we have about ourselves and trashes all those "labels" that traditional psychology places on people with certain behaviors. This book proves how anyone has the power to change just by changing their actions and their environment.

[Francie Latham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Difficult Past and an Improved Present/Future

Like many people I had a difficult past, so I searched to help me resolve some issues that have haunted me since my childhood. This book guided me to a better present/future. I used the ideas in this book to resolve many of my problems. For me it helped bring peace and contentment in my life. I resolved my haunting.

[Ann Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes the solution isn’t as difficult as we might think. Sometimes just changing one thing can get you out of the rut of a reaction or a response. This book had several excellent ideas of simple ways to change problematic behaviors in individuals and in relationships. I look forward to testing them out!

[Antonella · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
Mostly a rehash of common sense & Solution Focused Techniques. I find useful the summaries often used in essays of the English-speaking culture, but here they seemed only repetitive. I ''inherited'' the book and I'm going to give it away.

[S.M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing itself was pretty poor in places, but there are some gems to pay attention to. But much of it sounded condescending or self-congratulatory. I don’t think I’d necessarily call the book “gimmicky,” as other reviews have, but it’s definitely somewhere in that vicinity.

[Kelly Is Brighid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. He’s a little full of himself, his ego keeps leaking onto the pages. Predates Mindfulness and CBT. Yet his practical strategies aren’t harmful and maybe useful. He’s got personal issues with 12-step programs; I think he’s jealous of those who earned PhDs - or maybe his dick’s little.

[Melvin Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the same/similar vein was his other solution oriented type books. If you have read others by him, some of the stories will be familiar although there were some new to me stories on there as well. If you aren't familiar with his solution oriented work, this is probably the one to start with.

[Christopher Carver · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very basic advice that one has most likely heard before. Took this book on a recommendation from Terry Crews in one of his videos. I'm glad it worked for him, but it didn't resonate with me. Decided not to finish about half way through.

[Lauren Lecompte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a “kick in the ass” kind of book to jumpstart your life in the right direction. The solutions were practical but redundant with too many examples. The whole premise could have been summed up in a chapter.

[Bob Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title pretty much says it all. Do just one thing differently to change your life. I like this philosophy as it makes it easy to put into practice. So many times too many changes seem overwhelming so no change is made. Also, he encourages readers to think and practice change outside the box.

[Bonnie Fournier · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out to be helpful but after the first half it was all about relationships and since I'm not in a relationship so to speak I did not find that portion helpful. I wish it would have just stayed in the general do something different category.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather repetitive and a little rambling. Could easily have been reduced to half the length.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although many of the examples are so pat as to come across as blithe, there are many good ideas here for getting unstuck and for acknowledging what is and isn't working.

[William Woodhouse · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are a couple of useful points in here, but overall I did not find the book helpful. I also really disliked the way the book is arranged; I found it very choppy to read.

[Jeremiah Toney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every page makes you think, about the previous page. Cool approach, here.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great in teaching you not to care about what others think. It teaches self-confidence and ways to make your lifestyle better. This book can change lives and it helped mine.