Ah, decisions! We love them, almost as much as we love regretting them later. But have you ever noticed? Most decisions we make are not actually our own. They’re family-approved, society-endorsed, “expert”-recommended — I call them “Instagram decisions.” They’re polished, pre-packaged, and socially validated. Yet it’s still us left in the lurch. How convenient!

If you want to make a decision that your future self won’t laugh at (or, worse, cry over), here’s a little trick: take a break from everything and everyone. No social media, no neighbours with opinions, not even your dog with those judgmental eyes. Sit quietly, ask yourself, “If I chase this goal, will I still want it when I’m 80?” Or at least after my morning coffee tomorrow?

Now, I’m not saying I was ever a fan of Giulio Andreotti, but let’s give credit where it’s due — the man was clever. Known as one of Italy’s most influential politicians of the 20th century, he became Prime Minister of Italy seven times (1972–1973, 1976–1979, 1989–1992) and held many other significant positions.

His methods of decision-making were not the ordinary kind; Andreotti had his own peculiar methods for making decisions. He’d walk for hours, removing himself from the noise of Rome’s political life, creating space to see his problems from a distance. Like an ancient philosopher, he knew that a walk wasn’t just exercise — it was a way to order thoughts, sift through strategies, and weigh possible consequences with calm and clarity.

Andreotti didn’t rush, didn’t let pressure make decisions for him. His approach — often called realpolitik — reflected a career built on patience and pragmatism. And, just as he walked slowly, he approached decisions the same way: thoughtfully, with a quiet defiance against haste. As he famously said, “Il potere logora chi non ce l’ha” — power wears out those who don’t have it. A bit cynical, yes, but you see the point: if you want to make a decision with real substance, leave the rush for someone else.

He’s not simply talking about influence over others; he’s talking about the influence we have over ourselves.

So: real power is not about control over life, but about control over oneself.

Here’s the thing: don’t get too caught up in shaping a personality to fit every decision, as Giulio Andreotti might have understood well. Think of your personality like the political mask you wear in the corridors of power — it’s a tool that helps you present yourself in a certain way, to navigate the complex terrain of diplomacy and public life. But it’s something you shed when the day is done. Real clarity comes when you return to your own true self, free from the expectations of others, no longer playing a role for anyone else’s benefit.

Just as walking can clear the head and ground the soul, Andreotti knew that true power is found not in playing the game, but in stepping away from it, moving with intention and without the need for approval.

Please, don’t feel the need to buy me a coffee or make a donation. I write simply because I love to write, and it brings me joy to think that my words might offer a bit of relief or perhaps even a new understanding to others. If you truly feel moved to do something, a clap or a bit of feedback would mean the world to me, as it allows me to learn and grow through our shared connection.