How to Build a Trading & Learning Journal

A simple journal structure for reviewing decisions and improving process.

A journal can convert random market activity into a structured learning process. Record the date, instrument, timeframe, setup or research question, entry logic if applicable, risk plan, outcome and what you learned.

The most valuable part is the review section. Look for repeated behavioural mistakes, rule violations, emotional triggers and situations where your process worked or failed.

A journal should not be used to manufacture confidence from a small sample. Review a meaningful set of observations and remain open to changing the method.