My Dumb Mistake that cost me €100 and 3 hours

It’s Wednesday, June 10, 2026. We’ve all been there: you look at the clock, convince yourself you have "plenty of time" for one last thing, and end up sprinting frantically through a crowded terminal. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a painful, frustrating, and incredibly embarrassing mistake I made on our recent weekend trip to Madrid. It cost me $120, three hours of precious time, and a heavy dose of parental pride. We're diving into the psychological trap of "Time Optimism," the hidden anxiety of arriving early, and the strict reality of European train travel.

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.