Trell Brown

Trell Brown

@trellsf415.bsky.social

Writer. Runner. Gamer. Fighter. Turned pain into purpose. Sharing my blueprint for resilience, perspective, and relentless growth. đź’ˇ Always evolving. đź’Ş Built different. #TheUnfuckwithableMindset https://theblueprintmindset.com/

389 followers317 following291 posts

Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Before my first trip to Japan, a friend gave me four words of advice: figure it out. We got on the wrong train more than once. It was stressful. It was also the most fun I’d ever had traveling. The second time, my wife and I booked our hotel after we landed. In Italy, we told our daughter at…

theblueprintmindset.comSpontaneous Travel: Why I Never Plan a Trip Before I ArriveWe got on the wrong train more than once. We lost time. It was still the best trip I’d ever taken, and it’s why I don’t plan anything except the flight.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Lethal Weapon flipped the script. Instead of the white savior, a stable Black family poured into rehabbing Riggs. As a kid I loved the chemistry. As an adult I saw my own family in it. My pick for most underrated. https://theblueprintmindset.com/2026/10/22/underrated-movies-lethal-weapon/…

theblueprintmindset.comUnderrated Movies: Why Lethal Weapon Felt Like a Different HollywoodSome underrated movies earned the label by doing what Hollywood was afraid to try. Lethal Weapon reversed the script, and I saw my family in it.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

I grew up in the middle of the crack epidemic and learned early that setbacks are part of life. What took longer to learn is that they never erase the progress underneath, unless you give up. New post: https://wp.me/pf9x6d-CA #TheBlueprintMindset

theblueprintmindset.comOvercoming Setbacks: Why They Never Reset My Progress“Setbacks are inevitable. Progress is never lost until you give up.” From the day I was born, in my innocence, life was good. I can even remember some of those times. My mother met my brother’s father, and not long after, things became very tough. The "war on crack," not my words, consumed my neighborhood. Practically no one was immune.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

I've been called abrasive, direct, confrontational. What I've learned is that silence rarely settles anything. It gives us room to assume things that were never true. Taking an issue head on is uncomfortable, but it's how I show I care. #TheBlueprintMindset

theblueprintmindset.comDirect Conflict Resolution: Why I Take Issues Head On"I've always been considered abrasive, direct, and confrontational. It took me years to understand that I simply prefer to face an issue rather than guess at it."
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

I once told a manager, "I can't keep trading away my happiness for money." It came out before I'd thought it through, and it's stuck with me ever since. Today's prompt asked how to write what people want to read. My answer: I don't. #TheBlueprintMindset

theblueprintmindset.comBe Authentic: Do It for Love, Not for ReturnsIf I spent my time focusing on writing what people want to read, I wouldn't be writing what I want to share. I write what I want to share because I hope it can help someone. If I began to write what I felt people wanted to hear, I would no longer have the enjoyment of being honest, vulnerable, or myself.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

I found a rubber bracelet on the ground outside a Costco the week my nephew died. I picked it up so I'd remember him. It worked. When it finally broke I didn't replace it. I'd already tried buying more. They weren't the same. #Grief #Memory

theblueprintmindset.comHow to Remember Someone You Lost: The Bracelet I Found on the GroundNeither one of these things was special. A bracelet off the pavement, a toy rabbit I found somewhere. That's sort of the point.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

My coach didn't bench me for coasting. He said do the small things where people can see, and don't tell anybody you're doing it. Best leadership advice I ever got, and I was 15. New post — on feedback, accountability, and the little things I kept skipping. #Leadership #Growth

theblueprintmindset.comWhat Sports Taught Me: The Little Things I Kept SkippingSomeone in my career told me nobody likes feedback. He said it like it was wisdom. It isn't even true.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

"We needed each other. To heal." I wrote that, then looked it up to see if I was just telling myself a story. 148 studies. 300,000 people. Strong relationships = 50% higher survival. Same effect size as quitting smoking. I wasn't exaggerating. #Resilience #Friendship #Mindset

theblueprintmindset.comHow Friends Shape Your Values: By Blood and By ChoiceMy mother birthed 3 boys into this world. We saw crack destroy our neighborhood, our mother, and our home. We still love each other. We still survive.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

"I expect you to make a mistake, but I don't expect you to make it twice." My first boss in biotech said it. I ended up saying it to my daughter. Mistakes should hurt. That's how you know you cared. But the recovery is what defines you. New post 👇 https://wp.me/pf9x6d-zc #resilience #mindset…

theblueprintmindset.comLearning From Mistakes: Why Your Response Matters More"I expect you to MAke a Mistake, but I don't expect you to Make It Twice" My first manager in biotech, at CareDx, said this to me early on. It stuck. It stuck so well that years later I found myself saying it to my daughter, in a completely different context, about something that had nothing to do with lab work or deadlines.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Outdate Tech I miss the Most Pagers We developed our own language, much like everyone else. We used numbers like letters. It kept us connected in a mostly unconnected world....

theblueprintmindset.comOutdate Tech I miss the MostPagers We developed our own language, much like everyone else. We used numbers like letters. It kept us connected in a mostly unconnected world. It made it easy to have a significant other, and not need to constantly be on the phone with them. It also gave us good reasons to have more space between us and our parents. For good or for worse.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Bullies come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes we call them teachers. Sometimes leaders. The cost of silence is never paid by the person staying quiet. It's paid by whoever is standing there hoping somebody else will speak. New post up. #SpeakUp #Mindset

theblueprintmindset.comSee Something, Say Nothing: What Silence Actually CostsI was raised to say something when I saw something wrong, because no one else was coming to say it for me. The cost of silence is never paid by the person staying quiet.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Inflation. Health scares. Losing people. Overcoming obstacles isn't about dodging the hard forks in the road — it's how we build resilience and real confidence. Don't let them stop you. Let them be your fuel. 🔥 New on the blog 👇 #TheBlueprintMindset…

theblueprintmindset.comFacing ChallengesThe Challenges We All Face I'm sure everyone feels the stress of inflation, gas prices, political turmoil, or just life in general. This post is about overcoming obstacles — the bright kind and the brutal kind — because lately there have been plenty of both. There's also the bright side: I have a cousin who recently beat cancer. My wife survived a very tough health stretch — very tough.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

The best reward I ever got from a new skill wasn't the skill. It was hearing it helped someone else. The reward you choose decides whether a habit sticks. Pick one that means something. New post on making it satisfying. #TheBlueprintMindset…

theblueprintmindset.comAtomic Habit: Law 4Make It Satisfying The fourth law of building better habits is the simplest one to say and the easiest one to forget: make it satisfying. What gets rewarded gets repeated. What feels good, you come back to. We all run on this loop, and most of the time we don't even notice it's running us. Here's the trap, though. Bad habits pay you…
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Cold Fusion Daily writing prompt What’s something you’d love to see in the future, but know you probably won’t live to witness?...

theblueprintmindset.comCold FusionDaily writing prompt What’s something you’d love to see in the future, but know you probably won’t live to witness? View all responses I first became aware of the theory of cold fusion while watching The Saint. I have a lot of fond memories of the movie as well. Seeing an essential American version of James Bond was fun and interesting, but it's classic, and I was happy they left it at a single movie.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Marcus Aurelius Daily writing prompt If you could have dinner with any philosopher, who would it be? View all responses The Blueprint Connection: Stoicism centers on the "Locus of Control"—the realization that you cannot control your environment (like growing up in chaos or a tough concrete…

theblueprintmindset.comMarcus AureliusDaily writing prompt If you could have dinner with any philosopher, who would it be? View all responses The Blueprint Connection: Stoicism centers on the "Locus of Control"—the realization that you cannot control your environment (like growing up in chaos or a tough concrete jungle), but you have absolute, unfuckwithable ownership over your response to it. I would want to understand how and why he developed the idea behind Locus of Control.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Allen Iverson taught me more than basketball. He showed me how to face giants, create space, take on greatness, and keep getting up no matter how hard life hits. His game was a lesson in toughness, confidence, and resilience. #Mindset #Resilience #Basketball

theblueprintmindset.comThing Obsessed With As a KidDaily writing prompt What’s a thing you were completely obsessed with as a kid? View all responses Hooping I just wanted to be as good as Michael Jordan. Then came along this guy by the name of Allen Iverson, and my obsession with basketball went to another level. Iverson was similar to myself in build, 6 feet tall, extremely athletic, but also he had that swagger that not most other NBA players had.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

f you could freeze one moment in time, what would it be? Mine taught me what love, pride, and purpose really feel like. New post on The Blueprint Mindset. #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #TheBlueprintMindset

theblueprintmindset.comMoment in Time I wish I could FreezeDaily writing prompt What’s a moment you wish you could freeze and live in forever? View all responses There are a few for me. They represent the happiest moments of my life — moments I'd be okay with if time just stopped right there. When My Big Sister Taught Me My ABC's She had just learned them herself, but that didn't matter.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Atomic Habit: Law 3 The content emphasizes the importance of making tasks easier to increase the likelihood of completing them. It suggests reducing friction by incorporating disliked habits with enjoyable ones, like exercising at home or writing about engaging topics. This method helps in forming…

theblueprintmindset.comAtomic Habit: Law 3The content emphasizes the importance of making tasks easier to increase the likelihood of completing them. It suggests reducing friction by incorporating disliked habits with enjoyable ones, like exercising at home or writing about engaging topics. This method helps in forming and maintaining good habits by minimizing obstacles to starting them.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Be thankful for the highs, but be ready for the lows. Life isn’t constant wins—it’s a cycle. Every setback carries a lesson. Stay disciplined, keep moving, and trust the comeback. #Resilience #GrowthMindset #Discipline #KeepGoing #LifeLessons #Motivation

theblueprintmindset.comLife’s Ups and DownsLife is a cycle of highs and lows, with challenges often leading to growth. Embrace both experiences; the lows can teach resilience and discipline. As seen in personal struggles, such as job loss, these moments can spur necessary change. Prepare for difficulties and approach them with determination to find clarity and progress.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Ability To Visualize Context Daily writing prompt What's a secret skill or ability you have or wish you had? View all responses Secret Ability I Possess I didn't realize the extent of my abilities, until a recent conversation with co-workers. Often, I do not look people in the eyes, or face as…

theblueprintmindset.comAbility To Visualize ContextDaily writing prompt What's a secret skill or ability you have or wish you had? View all responses Secret Ability I Possess I didn't realize the extent of my abilities, until a recent conversation with co-workers. Often, I do not look people in the eyes, or face as they speak, one of my boys, has stated the same. I am visualizing what you are saying.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Keep Marching Forward Keep Marching Forward Through Life’s Challenges Life rarely gives us challenges one at a time. Sometimes everything arrives at once — health struggles, career stress, and unexpected life events. In moments like these, the only real option is to keep marching forward. Wife’s…

theblueprintmindset.comKeep Marching ForwardKeep Marching Forward Through Life’s Challenges Life rarely gives us challenges one at a time. Sometimes everything arrives at once — health struggles, career stress, and unexpected life events. In moments like these, the only real option is to keep marching forward. Wife’s Health My wife has been dealing with serious health challenges. I often wish I could do more for her.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Letter to 100 year old Self Daily writing prompt Write a letter to your 100-year-old self. View all responses 1st, I hope you can't read this because you're resting in piece. Also, if you can read this, congrats, and good luck on making 100 more of these. As I wrote this, I thought about what I…

theblueprintmindset.comLetter to 100 year old SelfDaily writing prompt Write a letter to your 100-year-old self. View all responses 1st, I hope you can't read this because you're resting in piece. Also, if you can read this, congrats, and good luck on making 100 more of these. As I wrote this, I thought about what I would be thinking at 100 years old. I am positive, I wish everything I know at 100, I knew at 45.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Life gets heavy. You feel lost. Overlooked. Hurt. But strength is a choice. Not a feeling — a decision. I don’t know what tomorrow brings, but I know I’ll get up and try again. You’ve survived everything so far. Choose to rise. #TheBlueprintMindset #Strength

theblueprintmindset.comStrength is a ChoiceLife presents challenges regardless of our readiness, forcing us to choose strength daily. The author shares personal experiences of their wife enduring health issues with resilience, while navigating their own feelings of confusion and undervaluation at work. They emphasize that true strength is an active choice, not passive acceptance.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Expressing my feelings has helped me realize I’m not alone—and neither are you. Pain builds character. Struggle builds strength. The only real failure is quitting. You almost didn’t make it… but you did. Keep moving forward. #TheBlueprintMindset #Resilience #Growth #Mindset

theblueprintmindset.comWhat Writing Has Done for My Well BeingExpress my feelings Positively, I have been able to focus on how I currently feel, and how certain events make me feel. I am learning how similar a lot of the things that I feel is similar to what others may also feel. Sharing that provides myself and them with peace of mind. It allows me to tap into another part of my mind that expresses my creativity.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Something on my “To-Do List” That never gets done Daily writing prompt Something on your "to-do list" that never gets done. View all responses Putting myself first, sometimes Every plan and move I've made, I usually make it knowing how it will positively affect the people closest around me, which…

theblueprintmindset.comSomething on my “To-Do List” That never gets doneDaily writing prompt Something on your "to-do list" that never gets done. View all responses Putting myself first, sometimes Every plan and move I've made, I usually make it knowing how it will positively affect the people closest around me, which often means it will also have a positive affect on myself. I should focus on what I want/need sometimes and not think about what it can or will do for others.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Someone who Doesn’t Listen Daily writing prompt What do you complain about the most? View all responses What do I complain about the Most? People often hear your words, but don't listen. What exactly is the point of a conversation, if one of the people aren't listening. If you told someone, you…

theblueprintmindset.comSomeone who Doesn’t ListenDaily writing prompt What do you complain about the most? View all responses What do I complain about the Most? People often hear your words, but don't listen. What exactly is the point of a conversation, if one of the people aren't listening. If you told someone, you disagree, and provided reasons why, then they just responded, they aren't listening.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

What I learned: Mom To the Woman Who Carried Me: A Tribute to Strength and Sacrifice The Village That Raised Me They say it takes a village, and I’ve been blessed with a powerful one. Moms are special—and sometimes, they aren’t even your own biological mother. As a Black man, I know I wouldn’t be…

theblueprintmindset.comWhat I learned: MomTo the Woman Who Carried Me: A Tribute to Strength and Sacrifice The Village That Raised Me They say it takes a village, and I’ve been blessed with a powerful one. Moms are special—and sometimes, they aren’t even your own biological mother. As a Black man, I know I wouldn’t be half the man I am today without the women who poured into me.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Life is better when you're laughing or touring SF on your own two feet. 🌉 Whether I'm playing Elden Ring on difficult mode or debating the mundane, I’ve found 5 ways to stay resilient and enjoy this blue marble. My latest post is live! 🎮 #TheResilienceBlueprint #SF #Gaming #PersonalGrowth #Comedy

theblueprintmindset.com5 ThingsDaily writing prompt List five things you do for fun. View all responses Play Games I enjoy games like Elden Ring, currently I've been playing a lot of Absolum. Love a good RPG game here and there, definitely needs to be a bit difficult. Shooters are fun, but I mostly prefer Marvel Rivals, or Overwatch these days. Being Amongst People I care About…
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

I learned how to treat and love others from my sister. Through her strength, honesty, and compassion—even in struggle. Some lessons don’t come from books. They come from people who shape you forever. #TheBlueprintMindset #Grief #Love #LifeLessons

theblueprintmindset.comWhat I Learned: Big SisHow to Treat and Love Others I felt it was important to start with my sister. She’s gone now, and with her went a large part of what first brought my mother pride. Her first and only daughter. A brilliant woman who carried so much love and affection. She was everything you’d want in a big sister, and everything a mother hopes her daughter can be.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Where in My Life can I reduce Clutter? Everywhere Mentally, I believe I can reduce clutter by focusing on things I care about. There are things we all know we can't change. It's tough in this world, and it's often more tough for people of color, but you can't control that. I try to place my focus…

theblueprintmindset.comWhere in My Life can I reduce Clutter?Everywhere Mentally, I believe I can reduce clutter by focusing on things I care about. There are things we all know we can't change. It's tough in this world, and it's often more tough for people of color, but you can't control that. I try to place my focus on things I can control. Focusing on skills that make me more marketable.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Resolutions fail because they rely on motivation. Systems work because they rely on consistency. Make habits harder to avoid, easier to start, and forgiving when you slip. Progress beats perfection every time. #AtomicHabits #HabitBuilding #Consistency #Mindset #TheBlueprintMindset

theblueprintmindset.comCreating Resolutions That StickTask 1 Don't set a resolution. Task 2 I found setting a resolution, just doesn't work. I don't tell anyone I am doing it, I know what I want to do, I just figure out the how, when, and where and follow through. If you said you wanted to give up social media, why delete the app? Start with moving it to a far off page on your phone where apps you rarely, or never use is located, and maybe even put it in a folder, make it more difficult to access.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

My Mission for 2026 Happy New Year My mission this year Mission 1Cut weight in preparation for the SF Marathon. In 2025, we lost some loved ones. My sister died due to an accidental overdose, very common in the world we reside in today. She was a very brilliant woman, but had demons, and she also…

theblueprintmindset.comMy Mission for 2026Happy New Year My mission this year Mission 1Cut weight in preparation for the SF Marathon. In 2025, we lost some loved ones. My sister died due to an accidental overdose, very common in the world we reside in today. She was a very brilliant woman, but had demons, and she also had sickle cell anemia and she was bi-polar.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

What Relationships Have Positive Impact on Me? Reciprocative I don't expect a relationship to be reciprocative, but if asked which ones provide the biggest impact is that. Feedback is of high value to me, positive and negative. I provide feedback, especially when I care for the person. I try to be…

theblueprintmindset.comWhat Relationships Have Positive Impact on Me?Reciprocative I don't expect a relationship to be reciprocative, but if asked which ones provide the biggest impact is that. Feedback is of high value to me, positive and negative. I provide feedback, especially when I care for the person. I try to be the best I can, but I also want those around me to be the best that they can as well.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Atomic Habit: Law 2 Make It Attractive Most of us have done this before, even if we didn’t realize it had a name. I won’t do this until I do that. I can’t have ice cream until I finish dinner or go for a walk.I won’t play a game until the dishes are done. What you’re really doing is making an…

theblueprintmindset.comAtomic Habit: Law 2Make It Attractive Most of us have done this before, even if we didn’t realize it had a name. I won’t do this until I do that. I can’t have ice cream until I finish dinner or go for a walk.I won’t play a game until the dishes are done. What you’re really doing is making an undesirable task easier by pairing it with something you genuinely want…
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

A year ago, I thought growth meant a new title and company. What I didn’t expect was burnout, pressure, and learning a new kind of leadership. Still moving forward. Still building. Still growing. #CareerReflection #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Leadership #GrowthJourney

theblueprintmindset.comIs your life today what you pictured a year ago?Is This What I Expected a Year Ago? Somewhat. I expected to be with a new company. I expected a title increase. What I didn’t expect was being asked to take on responsibilities without the time, space, or support required to do them well. The focus from the company and management has been results. Not always the process it takes to achieve those results, and rarely the stress, pressure, or fear that comes along with it.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Never Stop Progressing I've been busy the last few weeks while studying to complete my PMP certificate. I never want to get stagnant, I also like to remove as many barriers as possible between myself and the next level, whatever that is. Getting my Certified Scrum Master Cert, and Project…

theblueprintmindset.comNever Stop ProgressingI've been busy the last few weeks while studying to complete my PMP certificate. I never want to get stagnant, I also like to remove as many barriers as possible between myself and the next level, whatever that is. Getting my Certified Scrum Master Cert, and Project Management cert allows me to do just that. Shows my willingness to lead, but also continuously grow.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

I am Still Around I just wanted to make sure everyone following me on this journey, I have not abandoned the page. In an effort to continue growth, I have been studying for my project management certificate. I wanted to grow my career but also push myself to learn a new skill for leadership. I…

theblueprintmindset.comI am Still AroundI just wanted to make sure everyone following me on this journey, I have not abandoned the page. In an effort to continue growth, I have been studying for my project management certificate. I wanted to grow my career but also push myself to learn a new skill for leadership. I will be back shortly after studying and preparing to take the exam soon.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

Night or Morning? The author reflects on being a natural night person while having to adapt to a daytime schedule due to work. They find night time ideal for mental focus and self-improvement, while day time is better suited for physical activities. The importance of understanding personal rhythms…

theblueprintmindset.comNight or Morning?The author reflects on being a natural night person while having to adapt to a daytime schedule due to work. They find night time ideal for mental focus and self-improvement, while day time is better suited for physical activities. The importance of understanding personal rhythms and creating supportive habits is emphasized.
Trell Brown
@trellsf415.bsky.social

20 subs might be small, but it means everything. Thank you to everyone reading my words and connecting with my journey. More stories, more growth, more truth coming soon. Link in bio. #TheBlueprintMindset #PersonalGrowth #SelfHelp #Mindset #Healing #Motivation #Gratitude #Blog

theblueprintmindset.comReflection, after 20 Subs20 Subs — And Hopefully Many More Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who takes the time to read this. Like many of you, I stepped back over the holiday — mentally and physically — to be with family, breathe, reset, and just be. And during that reset, I realized something important:20 subscribers is more meaningful to me than I ever expected.