Dream Big book cover

Dream Big by Bob Goff Summary

Dream Big
Bob Goff
4.29 (7904 Reviews)
Self-growth
Inspiration
Productivity
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of Dream Big

In "Dream Big," bestselling author Bob Goff reveals how to rediscover dormant dreams and overcome obstacles to achieve them. What made one reader quit his job and move cross-country? Packed with inspiring stories and actionable steps, it's your roadmap to a purpose-driven life.

Show more

Key Takeaways from Dream Big

  1. Identify core ambitions by asking "Who are you?" and "What do you want?"
  2. Replace fear-driven inaction with courage-building small daily steps
  3. The Dream Big Framework converts vague ideas into actionable 90-day plans
  4. Vet ambitions by assessing lasting impact and alignment with personal values
  5. Community support beats solitary striving for sustaining long-term dream pursuit
  6. Weekly "wake-up" journaling maintains focus on priorities and progress tracking
  7. Embrace strategic failure as essential feedback for course-correcting big dreams
  8. Distinguish between temporary distractions and authentic lifelong callings through reflection
  9. Faith integration transforms self-focused goals into purpose-driven legacy building
  10. Bob Goff’s "three location questions" clarify present reality versus desired future
  11. Action ideas beat endless planning—launch micro-projects to test dream viability
  12. Replace "someday" thinking with deadline-driven accountability partnerships for results

Overview of its author - Bob Goff

Robert Kendall Goff, New York Times bestselling author of Dream Big, is a renowned motivational speaker, philanthropist, and recovering lawyer whose work inspires actionable faith and purposeful living.

Blending memoir, self-help, and spiritual guidance, Dream Big reflects Goff’s core themes of courage, adventure, and love-driven service—principles honed through his 25-year legal career, role as Uganda’s Honorary Consul, and leadership of Love Does, his human rights nonprofit active across eight countries.

A sought-after speaker featured on platforms like the Chase Whimsy and Love Your Life podcast, Goff expands on ideas from his earlier bestsellers Love Does (translated into 10 languages) and Everybody, Always.

Known for his whimsical style and hands-on philosophy, he founded The Oaks retreat center to host dream-building workshops. Dream Big continues his legacy of empowering millions to pursue audacious goals rooted in compassion, with over 2 million copies sold across his works.

Common FAQs of Dream Big

What is Dream Big by Bob Goff about?

Dream Big by Bob Goff is a practical guide to rediscovering your ambitions and taking actionable steps to achieve them. It combines personal anecdotes with a structured framework to help readers define their dreams, overcome fear, and build supportive communities. Key themes include self-reflection, courage, and faith-based encouragement, offering tools like the "Dream Big Framework" to transform aspirations into reality.

Who should read Dream Big by Bob Goff?

This book is ideal for individuals feeling stuck or seeking clarity on their life goals, particularly those drawn to faith-inspired self-improvement. Entrepreneurs, career changers, and anyone needing motivation to confront fears will benefit. Goff’s approachable style also resonates with fans of his previous works like Love Does and Everybody, Always.

Is Dream Big by Bob Goff worth reading?

Yes, Dream Big is praised for blending inspirational storytelling with actionable advice. Readers appreciate its focus on overcoming self-doubt and creating concrete plans, though it’s most impactful for those open to integrating spiritual insights into personal growth. Its structured exercises and journaling prompts make it a valuable tool for long-term goal setting.

What is the "Dream Big Framework"?

The "Dream Big Framework" is Goff’s step-by-step system to identify and pursue meaningful goals. It includes:

  • Self-reflection questions like “Who are you?” and “What do you want?”
  • Obstacle identification to address fears and limiting beliefs.
  • Actionable planning with timelines and accountability strategies.
  • Community-building to sustain motivation.
How does Bob Goff suggest overcoming fear in Dream Big?

Goff advises acknowledging fear as natural but not letting it dictate decisions. He emphasizes taking small, courageous steps, leaning on faith, and surrounding oneself with encouraging peers. Practical tactics include writing down fears, reframing negative self-talk, and celebrating incremental progress.

What are the key quotes from Dream Big?

Notable quotes include:

  • “Your dreams are too important to leave to chance.”
  • “Courage is just fear that’s said its prayers.”
  • “Don’t let uncertainty keep you from starting.”
    These reflect Goff’s themes of proactive faith and persistence.
How does Dream Big compare to Goff’s other books?

Unlike Love Does’s focus on relationships or Everybody, Always’s emphasis on kindness, Dream Big centers on personal ambition. It retains Goff’s signature storytelling but adds more structured exercises, making it a hybrid of memoir and workbook.

Can Dream Big help with career changes?

Yes, Goff’s strategies for clarifying goals and tackling obstacles apply directly to career transitions. The book encourages auditing skills, aligning work with core values, and creating step-by-step plans—ideal for professionals seeking purposeful change.

Does Dream Big include religious content?

While rooted in Goff’s Christian faith, the book avoids overt doctrine, focusing instead on universal principles like hope and resilience. Its spiritual references are woven into broader life lessons, making it accessible to diverse audiences.

What supplemental materials accompany Dream Big?

The Dream Big Journal offers prompts and exercises to apply the book’s lessons. It helps users document progress, refine goals, and track habits, serving as a practical companion to reinforce Goff’s framework.

How long does it take to see results from Dream Big?

Goff stresses that progress depends on consistent effort, but many readers report clarity within weeks of applying his reflection exercises. Long-term success requires revisiting the framework periodically to adapt goals as circumstances change.

What criticisms exist about Dream Big?

Some reviewers note the book’s reliance on personal anecdotes over data-driven methods. Others find its faith-based elements too subtle for secular readers or too pronounced for non-religious audiences. However, most praise its motivational tone and practicality.

Similar books to Dream Big

Start Reading Your Way
Quick Summary

Feel the book through the author's voice

Deep Dive

Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights

Flash Card

Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning

Fun

Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way

Explore Your Way of Learning
Dream Big isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Self-growth. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to Dream Big Summary in 8 Minutes

Quick Summary
Quick Summary
Dream Big Summary in 8 Minutes

Break down key ideas from Dream Big into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.

play
00:00
00:00

Flash Card Mode - Top 10 Insights from Dream Big in a Nutshell

Flash Card
Flash Card
Top 10 Insights from Dream Big in a Nutshell

Distill Dream Big into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Flash Mode Swiper

Fun Mode - Dream Big Lessons Told Through 20-Min Stories

Fun
Fun
Dream Big Lessons Told Through 20-Min Stories

Experience Dream Big through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.

play
00:00
00:00

Personalize Mode - Read or listen to Dream Big Summary in 0 Minutes

Personalize
Personalize
Experience Dream Big in your own way.

Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

Flash Mode Swiper

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star
Start your learning journey, now
Download This Summary

Get the Dream Big summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.