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12 min 22 sec
Available in:English

Dream Big: Know What You Want, Why You Want It, and What You're Going to Do About It

Shows how to recover dreams you have lost sight of. You get honest about who you are and where you stand, name specific goals, test them for lasting worth and then act on them boldly.

Table of Content

Plenty of people coast through a job they settled for, or stay in a relationship held together by fear, while the dreams they once had slip out of sight. In Dream Big, lawyer and author Bob Goff argues that most people who drift away from their dreams have simply forgotten what those dreams were. So his fix starts before any goal setting, with a plain and sometimes uncomfortable look at who you are and where you actually stand.

From there, the method runs in a clear line. You name the dream in specific terms and test whether it will still matter decades from now. You trace the fears that hold you back to the people who planted them. Then you ask boldly and keep asking. Each step comes with a story, from a friend who reflects in a dialysis center parking lot to a man drifting between jobs whose five-word reply to a tweet led him to the top of Uber. The reward is a short list of dreams worth chasing and a first move you can make this week.

A woman drives to a dialysis center every week, although she has no need of treatment. Her odd habit points to the step most people skip before they chase anything at all.

An ancient question asked of two people hiding behind a bush had nothing to do with their location. Answering the same question about your own life is harder than it sounds, and it changes what comes next.

Wanting to be more generous sounds admirable and almost never changes anything. The difference between a wish that fades and one you act on often comes down to a single rewrite.

A sports car can look like the whole point of a career and then lose its shine decades later. A handful of questions shows which of your ambitions deserve your best years.

A boy was taught to leap over every log on a mountain trail, and the habit never left him. The doubts that stall your plans may have started the same way, with someone who meant well.

One man writes to the Pope every year and always gets the same answer. Another answered a stranger’s tweet with five words. Between them sits the attitude that turns a sorted list of dreams into motion.

Dream Big is really an argument about attention. In Goff’s view, dreams rarely die because people fail at them. They fade because people stop looking at them, and at themselves. His remedy works from the inside out. Once you make room to know yourself and say plainly where you are, everything else follows from that honesty, from naming the dream to sending the bold email.

One warning comes alongside all that ambition. A big dream is no excuse to neglect family and friends. Goff argues the opposite: without those relationships, even the highest success will feel empty.

If you take one thing from the book, make it a small appointment. Block an hour, somewhere you will treat as seriously as a clinic, and write two sentences: where you honestly are, and one specific thing you want. Check that the second will still matter in ten years and helps someone besides you. Then find a person who has already done it and ask them for one piece of advice.

Goff still jumps over twigs because of snakes he has never seen. Many of the fears between you and your dream were handed down the same way, and the only way to learn what is really on the trail is to walk it.

About this book

What is this book about?

Many people end up in a job they settled for, a relationship held together by fear or a field of study they never wanted. Somewhere along the way, the dreams they once had drop out of view. Bob Goff argues that this often happens because people lose sight of what they wanted to begin with. Along the way, the original dream quietly slips out of view. His method starts on the inside. Make serious time to get reacquainted with yourself, then say plainly where your life stands today, however uncomfortable the answer. From there, write down every dream without censoring it and turn the vague ones into concrete plans. Next, test them: will they still matter in ten years, do they help anyone besides you, and are they actually possible? Goff then shows how to trace limiting beliefs back to the people who planted them, often with good intentions. The last step is action. Goff makes the case for bold requests and stubborn follow-up, with stories that range from his yearly letter to the Pope to the five-word tweet reply that led Ryan Graves to Uber.

Book Information

Rating:

Genre:

Personal Development

Topics:

Goal Setting, Purpose, Self-Awareness

Publisher:

HarperCollins

Language:

English

Narrator:

Emily

First published:

June 23, 2020

Pages:

256

Length:

12 min 22 sec

Get the book:

Amazon

Who it's for

  • Professionals coasting at work

    Professionals coasting in a job they settled for who want to remember what they wanted.

  • Weighing a fresh start

    People thinking about a career change or a fresh start who need to sort real dreams from passing wishes.

  • Held back by doubts

    Anyone held back by old doubts who wants a gentle, practical push toward a first bold step.

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About the Author

Bob Goff

Bob Goff is a lawyer, speaker and New York Times bestselling author whose books include Love Does, Everybody, Always and Undistracted. He founded Love Does, a nonprofit human rights organization that works on freedom, human rights and education in countries such as India, Uganda, Nepal and Somalia. Through that work he serves as Honorary Consul for the Republic of Uganda to the United States. He speaks at leadership, church and university events and hosts visitors at The Oaks, a retreat center in Southern California.

Ratings & Reviews

Ratings at a glance

4.5

Overall score based on 263 ratings.

What people think

Listeners find this work both motivational and stimulating, providing quality material that helps aspirations feel reachable. The prose is viewed as perceptive, and listeners value the actionable methods and effective prompts for reflection found throughout. They characterize the narrative as both funny and immersive, with one listener highlighting the way the author integrates heartening advice into his personal anecdotes.

Top reviews

Chee

Bob Goff has a way of making you feel like you’re sitting across from him at a coffee shop, sharing stories that seem too wild to be true yet somehow make perfect sense. Dream Big isn’t just about lofty goals; it’s about the 'edge of yikes' where real growth happens. I loved how he provides concrete, practical strategies to move past the hurdles that keep us paralyzed. Frankly, his advice on choosing community before calling shifted my entire perspective on career transitions. The reflective questions at the end of the chapters forced me to be honest about what I actually want versus what I think I should want. While the tone is light and humorous, the underlying message about making your life matter is deeply profound. It’s a quick read but one that sticks with you long after you close the cover. If you feel stuck, this is the push you need to start moving.

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Yongyut

The chapter on defining your ambitions was exactly what I needed to hear this month as I navigate a major life shift. Bob Goff encourages readers to live 'on the edge of yikes,' pushing through the fear of the unknown to find our true purpose. I was particularly struck by his discipline of writing 1,000 words a day—it makes the daunting task of creating something new seem entirely attainable. His humor shines through on every page, making the lessons go down easily without feeling like a lecture. Not gonna lie, I was worried it would be too vague, but the framework for mapping out a path forward is surprisingly structured. This book reminds us that our brokenness can actually be a path toward healing and helping others. It’s a beautiful, Bible-based guide that focuses on God’s love as the foundation for everything we do. Highly recommended for anyone who feels like they’ve lost their spark.

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Thanit

Wow, I didn't think he could top his previous work, but this might be his most practical yet for anyone feeling stagnant. I remember hearing the story about how Bob puts his cell phone number in the back of his books, and that level of authenticity is present on every page here. He isn't just telling us to dream; he’s showing us how to build a life that matches our values. The book propelled me into 'launch mode' for a project I’ve been putting off for nearly three years. Look, it’s messy and it’s frustrating to start something new, but Bob makes you feel like you have a cheerleader in your corner. The insight that we should chase our community before our calling was a 'lightbulb' moment for me. It’s a rare book that manages to be both hilariously funny and deeply convicting at the same time. Definitely pick up the physical copy so you can underline the gems.

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Narong

There is an infectious joy in these pages that makes the impossible feel suddenly within reach. Bob Goff writes with such genuine passion that you can’t help but want to live a bigger, more meaningful life after reading this. He beautifully illustrates how our brokenness can lead to personal freedom and even help others heal. This isn’t a self-help book that relies on your own strength; it’s a reminder to trust that God is doing something great through you. I found the focus on making people friends rather than projects to be one of the most convicting parts of the whole book. Truth is, we all need a reminder to stop playing it safe and start living with the kind of abandon Bob describes. It’s a thought-provoking and deeply inspiring resource for anyone ready to take action. This book is a gift to anyone who wants to make their life count for something more.

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Naomi

Finally got around to reading this after hearing so much about Love Does, and it’s every bit as whimsical as people say. Bob’s writing style is incredibly easy-going, almost like a friend giving you a pep talk while you're out for a walk. I appreciated the emphasis on taking action rather than just contemplating ideas. The stories are entertaining, though I’ll admit some of the analogies require a bit of a leap in logic to connect to my own daily life. Truth is, there is a bit of repetition throughout the book that makes it feel a tad stretched in places. However, the core message about pursuing your true ambitions with confidence is solid advice for anyone. It helped me realize that my dreams aren’t just 'projects' but reflections of who I was made to be. It’s an encouraging, uplifting resource for anyone looking to step out of their comfort zone.

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David

As someone who usually finds self-help books a bit dry and clinical, this was a breath of fresh air. Goff’s storytelling is legendary for a reason—he’s a character, and his enthusiasm for life is genuinely infectious. I found the practical tips on identifying what holds us back to be very insightful and easy to apply immediately. Gotta say, the whimsical nature of some stories might feel a bit 'out there' for the more cynical readers. Yet, beneath the layers of fun anecdotes, there are some very serious challenges about how we spend our time and energy. The book really hits home when discussing how to move from Plan A to Plan B without losing your sense of purpose. It’s not a dense theological treatise, but it’s a great companion for a weekend retreat. I definitely feel more empowered to take that next big step in my personal journey.

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Montri

Picked this up during a particularly stagnant season of my life, and it served as a much-needed wake-up call. The reflective questions scattered throughout the book are excellent for getting to the heart of what really matters to you. Bob has this way of weaving encouragement through personal stories that makes even the biggest dreams feel attainable. In my experience, most books in this genre are too focused on the 'what' and not the 'how,' but Bob bridges that gap. Some of the analogies are a bit of a stretch, and the pace can feel a little rushed in the middle sections. Regardless, the core message about not letting fear of failure stop you from starting is something I really needed to hear. It’s an insightful look at how to live with more intention and purpose. Even if you aren't a 'dreamer' by nature, you'll find something useful in these pages.

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Aom

Look, Bob is definitely a character, and his 'constant antics' might not be for everyone, but there’s no denying his sincerity. I listened to this on Audible, and I highly recommend that format because his voice adds so much personality to the text. The central takeaway for me was the importance of being 'on the edge of yikes'—that uncomfortable space where we actually depend on God. Frankly, the book can feel a bit repetitive if you read it all in one sitting, so it's better consumed in small chunks. I appreciated how he touches on the fact that setbacks and 'Plan Cs' are often just detours to where we are supposed to be. It’s a soothing and easy-going read that feels like a long conversation with a wise, slightly eccentric uncle. Even if you don't agree with every piece of advice, the encouragement is undeniable. It’s worth the read for the perspective shift alone.

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Sven

After hearing Bob speak on a podcast, I knew I had to dive into the framework he uses for his own life. Dream Big provides a step-by-step guide to identifying your ambitions and actually doing something about them. The distinction between plans B and C was particularly helpful for me, as I’ve been dealing with a few career setbacks lately. To be honest, I found some of the stories to be a bit over-the-top, almost to the point of feeling unattainable for a 'regular' person. However, the underlying principles of love, bravery, and persistence are universal and very well-presented. He reminds us that our life is a big deal to God, even when we feel insignificant. The chapters are short and punchy, making it a great book to read during a morning commute or coffee break. It’s a solid 4-star read that offers a lot of hope in a chaotic world.

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Sirinat

To be fair, I expected a bit more theological depth given the author’s reputation within the Christian community. While the book is undeniably encouraging and Bob is a gifted communicator, the foundation felt a little thin compared to his earlier work. I found myself agreeing with the general sentiment of 'dreaming big,' but many of the stories felt like rabbit holes that didn't always land a clear point. Personally, the constant whimsy became a bit much after the first hundred pages, and the advice started to feel repetitive. It’s an enjoyable enough read if you want a light pep talk, but it lacks the grit I was looking for. There’s a lot of focus on our own ambitions, which is fine, but I would have liked more emphasis on aligning those desires with a deeper spiritual grounding. It’s a decent book, just not the life-changing manual I was hoping for.

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Questions about this book

Goff argues that people usually lose their dreams because they forget what they wanted. Lack of ability is rarely the cause. His method starts with getting reacquainted with yourself and admitting where your life really stands. Then you name specific goals, test them for lasting value, trace limiting beliefs back to their sources, and act with boldness and persistence.

He suggests vetting each dream with a few tests. Ask whether it will still matter in ten or a hundred years, whether it helps others or only you, what you want to be remembered for, and whether it is actually possible. A flashy sports car, he notes, may later look like an expensive lump of metal, while dreams that help others tend to bring deeper fulfillment.

First identify them, such as self-doubt in meetings or a sense that your chance has passed. Then work out where each came from, often a parent, teacher, bully or former partner. Goff’s father warned him about rattlesnakes under every log, and he still leaps over twigs despite never seeing one. Once you see the belief as the problem, you can set it down.

Set aside regular time for self-reflection and treat it like a medical appointment. State honestly where you are, out loud or on paper. Rewrite vague dreams as concrete ones, turning generosity into a neighborhood food bank, for example. Ask experts for specific advice without long praise, keep following up, and do not neglect family and friends along the way.

It suits people coasting in a job or relationship they settled for, those who feel they chose the wrong path, and anyone whose ambitions have faded under money worries or old doubts. The book is reflective and encouraging, with simple exercises and personal stories, so it works well for readers who want help clarifying what they want before making a plan.

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Dream Big

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