Are You Expanding the Shape of Your T?

What if the shape of your personal growth had a form? What if success wasn’t just about how far you go—but how deep and wide you grow?

"Don’t join an easy crowd; you won’t grow. Go where the expectations and the demands to perform are high." — Jim Rohn

Let us take a moment to reflect on this: What’s one small shift you can make today to deepen your expertise or broaden your understanding of the world around you?

This idea of being a T-shaped person has stayed with me for years.

I still remember the first time I heard the phrase—it was during my MBA days at #UCI. One of my dear professors mentioned it in class, and something about it just stuck. It wasn’t just another academic term—it struck a deep chord. Since then, this simple idea has lived rent-free in my mind, quietly guiding the way I learn, grow, and connect with others.

So, what does it mean to be T-shaped?

• The vertical bar of the T represents depth—your area of expertise, your niche, the space where you go deep and build mastery.

• The horizontal bar stands for breadth—your ability to connect across disciplines, empathize with others, communicate well, and stay curious beyond your domain.

Over time, this mindset has shaped the way I approach learning and relationships. I’ve made it a habit to explore areas outside my comfort zone. Whether it’s through books, conversations, cultures, or industries—I’ve realized the more we open ourselves to learning broadly, the better we become at connecting with people from all walks of life.

At the same time, I’ve learned that depth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through slow, steady, intentional steps—choosing to sharpen our strengths, refine our craft, and deepen our understanding.

This simple T-shaped idea has helped me connect with people across the globe, solve problems with better context, and stay curious each day.

Now, imagine applying a zoom button to your growth.

T-shape - Zoom In/Out

Can you go deeper today into your area of mastery? Can you zoom out and gain perspective by learning something new, listening actively, or collaborating with someone different?

What zoom level are you operating at today— 60%? 80%? Maybe 110%… and still open to more?

Because growth isn’t static. And neither is the shape of your T.

Every experience, every connection, every skill—adds either to your depth or your breadth.

And this, to me, is the quiet power of a #Trailblazer. Not someone who rushes ahead alone. But someone who expands—with purpose. Who leads with both skill and empathy. Who grows, and helps others grow too.

So here’s my heartfelt reflection for all of us:

Can you identify the shape of your T today? Are we zoomed in enough to master our craft, and zoomed out enough to connect, collaborate, and stay curious?

Let’s keep zooming. Let’s keep growing. Let’s keep blazing the trail—together, one thoughtful step at a time.

“Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The most valuable asset you’ll ever have is your mind and what you put into it.” – Brian Tracy

#TShapedPerson #GrowthMindset

#TrailblazerMindset #TrailBlazers #Coaching #Speaking #Gratitude

#LifelongLearning #PersonalDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment

#SelfReflection #ProfessionalGrowth #Motivation #JimRohn #ICFCoaching

#SkillBuilding #IntentionalLiving #BrianTracy

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