Comparing Ourselves to those ahead of us

It’s something we’ve done for thousands of years, but in 2026, with social media at our fingertips 24/7, it’s become an epidemic. Today, I’m diving into the concept of comparison. I share a personal realization I had on the Padel court about my cycling "status" and why we are almost always looking the wrong way when we measure our progress. If you’ve ever felt like an "amateur" despite years of hard work, this episode is a reality check on your own success.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It’s Monday, March 23, 2026. Usually, I’m someone who likes to live in the moment, but I’ve realized that if you don't own your schedule, your schedule will own you. This morning, I sat down with my new "Chief of Staff"—Claude—to map out the week. Since switching from ChatGPT a few weeks ago, I’ve been leaning heavily into using AI not just as a search engine, but as a high-level personal assistant that knows my business, my goals, and my quirks.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It’s Friday, which means if you're looking for me, I’m probably on a Padel court. If you haven’t seen it yet, Padel (or Paddle) is taking over Europe and Latin America, and it’s starting to make waves in the U.S. too. Think of it as the high-energy lovechild of tennis and racquetball—played on a smaller court with plexiglass walls that you can actually hit the ball off of.It’s fast, it’s competitive, and most importantly, it’s built for connection.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

Yesterday was my 46th birthday, and I gave myself the best gift possible: I cleared my calendar, hopped on a train to the end of the line in Terasa, and spent six hours on my bike. I tackled a 103-kilometer route with 1,500 meters of climbing—my longest and most challenging ride to date. In this episode, I share the mindset shift required to do something that felt "unfathomable" just a year ago, and why we need to stop living in "reaction mode" and start getting outside.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

What do you do when you’re invited to go 50mph in a gas-powered metal frame, and your natural instinct is to say "No thanks"? Last weekend, I traded a relaxing lunch at the beach for an indoor go-karting track in Barcelona to celebrate a friend’s son’s 13th birthday. In this episode, I share my journey from being the slowest driver on the track to shaving 10 seconds off my lap time—and why being "bad" at something is the first step toward having the most fun you’ve had in years.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

Today is March 17, 2026, and I am officially turning 46. I wanted to take a moment to step away from the "hustle" and the constant drive for the next goal to simply say thank you. Thank you for listening, for being part of my network, and for allowing me to share my journey with you. I’m recording this from my home in Spain, with my dog at my feet and my family nearby, feeling incredibly lucky—but also incredibly proud of the progress I’ve made. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

I’m finally back in the swing of things! After a brutal fight with the flu that started in Boston and followed me all the way home to Spain, I’ve had a lot of time to sit with my thoughts. It’s easy to feel stuck when you're trapped in a hotel room or bedridden, but a morning dive into Stoicism gave me the exact reality check I needed.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

"I don’t want to seem like I’m bragging." It’s the #1 objection Andy hears when teaching professionals how to build their personal brands. In this episode, Andy shares a life-changing lesson he learned from a workshop with consulting legend Alan Weiss in Atlanta. If you've ever held back from sharing your wins on LinkedIn or YouTube because you fear the "arrogant" label, this episode provides the exact mental framework you need to speak your truth with authority while staying grounded.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

If the thought of "networking" makes you want to hide under your desk, this episode is for you. Andy flips the script on the traditional image of throwing business cards around a crowded room. As he drafts a new chapter for his upcoming book, Own Your Future, he explains why online communities are the single most underrated tool for building a powerful network in 2026. Whether you are an introvert or a busy entrepreneur, the right community can bring the world's top experts directly to your home office.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

Is it time to break up with ChatGPT? In this episode, Andy shares why he officially canceled his Plus subscription and moved his "digital brain" over to Claude. Triggered by a major ethical divide in the 2026 AI landscape and a surprisingly easy migration process, Andy explores the practical differences between the two giants. Plus, a look at how he built a professional landing page in under five minutes using Lovable for his upcoming April coaching program.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.