Book Report: Dream Big

Dream Big: Know What You Want, Why You Want It, and What You’re Going to Do About It by Bob Goff

Bob has written three books—all of them New York Times bestsellers. In his latest venture, he takes readers on a wild trek of self-discovery, drawing on his incredible love for life and vast array of experiences around the world. Bob’s dynamic style, personality, and stories blend together into a flavor our culture understandably craves. (By “style” I mean a punchy cadence that inspires. “Personality?” He’s intensely interested in others… like to the point of including his phone number in every book he writes just so he can talk to strangers on the daily. And this man definitely has some stories worth telling. I laughed so hard I almost cried. And then I actually cried.) You’ll come away with a new appreciation for the ways God wants to use you to turn this place upside down. Bonus: if you flip the pages really fast, a little paper airplane flies around at the bottom.

Some of the quotes that impacted me most were:

Jesus is a King who came to make a kingdom, but He’s not going to try to build it on top of our stuff or around all of our activities.

Love’s goal isn’t ever efficiency; it’s presence.

If you take away what you’re known for, whatever is left is who you are.

I used to spend my time doing things that worked. Now I’m trying to do things that last.

The battle for our hearts is fought on the pages of our calendars.

Don’t think about the mistakes you might make; think about the beauty you’ll see.

Jesus never told anyone to play it safe. You were born to be brave. Act like it.

Our failures don’t name us—God does. If you’re not hearing the name “beloved” whispered over your shoulder when you do a major faceplant or setback, it’s not Jesus doing the talking.

The concept that has stayed with me is that “any person I’ve ever known who’s chased and accomplished an ambition knew that some days were about gathering strength instead of exerting it. Make no mistake—it’s easy to confuse a lot of activity with a bunch of progress. Rest is wise; preparation is wisdom.” This idea moves all of my breathing space into active development rather than laziness or killing time. Armies retreat to gather their strength; why should I be ashamed of that same need on the battlefield of my life? If I keep my dreams in front of me, quiet moments are strategic, crammed with inherent purpose.

My journaling questions from this book include:

• What first steps do I need to take to become fully awake to who God made me to be?
• Are the new ambitions I add to my life better than my old ones?
• What unexecuted dreams are lurking in my past?
• Which of my ambitions would I find so worth pursuing that I’d be willing to rebuild them if they burned to the ground?
• What limiting beliefs have taken up residence in my life? Where did they come from?
• Where am I unwilling to fail? How does that hold me back?
• What recurring themes do I notice in my behavior and choices?
• Who do I need around me for encouragement and accountability?
• What would an average Tuesday look and feel like when I’m living out my dream?
• What does purposeful waiting look like in my life?