Here are 7 reasons why you should keep a journal: A few minutes you can devote to yourself

Croatian singer Maja Suput has shared her approach to handling past mistakes during an appearance on the Big Deal podcast. She stated that she refuses to waste energy analyzing situations that have already concluded. Instead of reviewing every move or wondering how she could have acted differently, she chooses to focus entirely on the present moment and future possibilities. Suput acknowledged that she has made errors in the past but rejected the idea of feeding her mind with negative emotions related to those events. She described her method as sweeping issues under the rug, adding with humor that one should know just how large that rug is. This stance applies to both professional and private life decisions. During the interview, she also discussed motherhood and raising her son Bloom, whom she had with her ex-husband Nenad Tatarinov. She emphasized values such as honesty, responsibility, punctuality, polite behavior, and work habits as essential lessons for him. The conversation reflects a broader cultural discussion in Croatia regarding self-improvement and mental well-being. While Suput advocates for moving forward without dwelling on the past, other voices warn against the pressure of constant personal optimization. Psychologist Anita Batinic Bajkovic from the company Prava Formula noted that while the desire for change can be a powerful driver, it often becomes exhausting when it turns into another obligation. She explained that self-work makes sense when it helps individuals live better lives, build relationships, and accept what cannot be changed. However, problems arise when self-improvement becomes the goal itself. At that point, instead of helping people see what matters, it creates a persistent feeling of falling behind the ideal version of oneself. Batinic Bajkovic suggested asking different questions, such as why a specific change is important and how to handle obstacles, rather than constantly evaluating progress. She highlighted a paradox in the self-help industry where activities intended to reduce stress sometimes become new sources of pressure. There is always a new book, workshop, or program promising that fixing one more flaw will lead to satisfaction. This cycle resembles a feedback loop where the belief that something is wrong ensures there is always a product available to fix it. Batinic Bajkovic compared this dynamic to the short story The Birthmark by Nathaniel Hawthorne. In the tale, a scientist obsessed with a small mark on his wife's face attempts to remove it despite her beauty, leading to a tragic end. Similarly, people often focus so intensely on their flaws that they forget to see themselves as whole beings, assuming they will only be happy once all imperfections are erased. In parallel, lifestyle advice columns encourage practices like journaling to help manage thoughts and emotions. One recent article outlined seven reasons to start keeping a diary, suggesting that even a few minutes dedicated to writing can provide clarity. Journaling does not require perfect style or grand ideas. Writers can record how their day went, what amused them, or what keeps returning to their minds. Writing down worries allows individuals to separate concerns and identify what truly bothers them versus what can wait. It provides a safe space for honesty, allowing people to write things they are not yet ready to share with others. Keeping the journal in a secure location ensures privacy. Journaling also serves as a tool for preserving small memories. Major events are usually remembered, but minor daily moments fade quickly. Recording a funny phrase, an unexpected encounter, or a pleasant afternoon takes only a few lines. Reading these entries later restores details that might otherwise be forgotten. By reviewing previous entries, individuals can spot recurring patterns in their situations, reactions, and desires. They might discover that certain obligations regularly drain their energy or that they consistently postpone important tasks. These observations can serve as a starting point for concrete changes. Additionally, written goals can be broken down into small, achievable steps. Tracking completed actions reveals progress that is easily overlooked in daily rush. If plans stall, notes can help adjust strategies to fit current capabilities. Finally, journaling encourages noticing positive aspects of the day. Entries can include conversations that brought joy, acts of kindness received, or small successes. This practice preserves a fuller picture of daily life, including beautiful moments that are often taken for granted. It also stimulates creativity. Ideas for stories, recipes, trips, or personal projects may emerge from everyday notes. Since no one judges the text, writers feel free to experiment with words, sketch concepts, and ask unusual questions. The diary becomes a place where ideas can grow before being shared with others. This low-pressure environment fosters exploration without the fear of evaluation.