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

~ Bill O'Hanlon (Author) "There's an old story about a cop who comes upon a drunk crawl around talking to himself under a streetlight..." (more)
Key Phrases: connective rituals, fourth tunnel, resolution ritual, Summary of Method, Viktor Frankl, Changing Stories (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

O'Hanlon, a certified professional counselor, marriage therapist, and author of 16 self-help books (e.g., Love Is a Verb), here makes an interesting addition to the field. Written in short, lively chapters, his book is divided into three topical parts: changing the doing of the problem, changing the viewing of the problem, and applying solution-oriented therapy. Motivated by his own frustrations with traditional therapies (they didn't work for him as he struggled against suicidal thoughts in college), O'Hanlon devised a new therapeutic philosophy. In place of blaming others or treating people as victims or labels, he advocates a "solution-oriented therapy"Awhich calls for immeditate, seemingly random action. Each chapter consists of personal narratives, chapter summaries, and exercises for personal growth. Unusual but compelling; recommended for public libraries.ALisa S. Wise, Broome Cty. P.L., Binghamton, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

The theory behind the title of this book is solution-oriented therapy. Rather than probing the past and analyzing causes and effects of psychological problems and troubles, therapist O'Hanlon advises making changes in behavior in the present in order to feel better sooner rather than later. Using 10 "solution keys," he challenges readers to focus on the here and now and adjust behavior to change the situation. The author uses plenty of examples to show solution-oriented therapy in action. There is something to be said for taking action in times of trouble rather than wallowing in the many negative feelings that arise. One caveat: This shouldn't be taken alone as a prescription for those suffering from deep clinical depression or other major psychological disorders. Those persons need to seek help from professionals. Marlene Chamberlain --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (October 24, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688177948
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #197,030 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

104 of 104 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very readable, Best Self-Improvement Book I've Read, January 12, 2000

By	Ken Hart (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Do One Thing Different: Ten Simple Ways to Change Your Life (Hardcover)

Originally, I got this for my girlfriend as a present. We started going through it together and found tools to help our relationship in the first few paragraphs. I've read many books dealing with self-improvement, therapy and relationships. This book has little or no "fluff" and "filler", and is full of very down to earth, practical things anyone can do to break non-productive patterns, whether it's inappropriate arguing, overeating, phobias or sexual issues. What's funny, is the book is full of stuff, that when you read it, you say, "of course, that's intuitive", but it's stuff that few of us seem to actually `do'. The only book I've ever rated 5-stars.

104 of 107 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solution Oriented Techniques That Work, October 19, 1999

By	Pat Gundry "suitcase7" (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Do One Thing Different: Ten Simple Ways to Change Your Life (Hardcover)

At last! I've been reading O'Hanlon's books written for therapists for years though I'm not a therapist, all the while hoping he'd write a change manual for the general reader. Here it is, and I'm so pleased. This book contains practical, respectful, gentle, yet oh-so-effective change techniques that anyone can use quickly and easily.

One of the things I love most about it is that it is solution-oriented, no preoccupation with "why" but focusing on "how," how to get what you want for yourself, and in your relationships.

I'm giving copies to several family members and buying extras to have on hand. It's that good.

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Down to earth help for everybody, October 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Do One Thing Different: Ten Simple Ways to Change Your Life (Hardcover)

This book really helps you to see that by making small changes in your life you can start on the road to making big changes. Bill O'Hanlon has managed to bring his professional expertise down to a level that anyone can understand and benefit from. I am excited to try his one thing different in order to make my life and the life of those close to me better.