Some of the hardest chapters of our lives can become the chapters that teach us the most.

Before I became a professional runner, competed for Nike, or built a career in business, my future looked very different.

I needed a fifth year of high school because my grades weren’t good enough to qualify for college athletics. And at 18 years old, I was arrested and faced the possibility of spending five to fifteen years in prison.

Those experiences affected me deeply. But they also became part of a journey that taught me about responsibility, perseverance, second chances, and the importance of having people who believe in you.

In this episode of BEYOND, I share a more personal side of my story and reflect on why difficult experiences don’t automatically make us stronger. It’s how we respond, what we learn, and what we choose to do next that can make the difference.

Because a mistake is something you made. It doesn’t have to become who you are.

And the hardest chapter of your life doesn’t have to be the final chapter.

What if we’ve gotten really good at measuring everything in life… except the things that matter most?

We measure income, accomplishments, wins, losses, and even how well we sleep. But how do we measure character, personal growth, or the difference we make in someone else’s life?

As a former professional runner, entrepreneur, and coach, I’ve spent much of my life chasing goals. And while I still believe in dreaming big and competing to win, I’ve learned that achievement and fulfillment aren’t always the same thing.

In this episode of BEYOND, I share lessons from the track, business, and coaching, along with wisdom from John Wooden and Jim Rohn, about why the greatest value of reaching a goal might not be what we accomplish, but who we become along the way.

Because success isn’t just about what we achieve. It’s about who we become and the lives we impact.

Have you ever noticed how some people make you feel better just by being around them, while others seem to drain the energy right out of a room?

In this episode of BEYOND, I explore a powerful lesson inspired by Jon Gordon’s bestselling book, The Energy Bus.

Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, raising a family, or simply navigating everyday life, the energy you bring into every interaction matters.

I’ll share why leadership starts long before you say a word, how our attitudes influence the people around us, and why taking responsibility for our energy can change the direction of our lives.

Because here’s something I’ve come to believe: You don’t have to be the smartest, loudest, or most successful person in the room. But you can choose to be the person who makes the room better simply by being in it.

BEYOND with Ben Andrews — There is more in you.