A repeatable 5-step tracking workflow
- Capture position details at entry. Record ticker, strategy, strike(s), expiry, contracts, and entry price when the trade is opened.
- Log the thesis and risk plan. Write the reason for entry, what needs to happen, and what would invalidate the trade.
- Update when something changes. Add notes for rolls, partial exits, adjustments, or assignment-related decisions.
- Close the loop at exit. Record exit date, price, outcome, and whether execution followed the plan.
- Apply tags for review. Use consistent tags for setup, market regime, mistake patterns, and playbook classification.
When to update the journal
Most traders benefit from event-based updates instead of daily notes on every open position. Update at entry, adjustments, and exit, then review weekly.
| Checkpoint | Required fields | Optional fields |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Position data, thesis, risk plan | Market context screenshot reference |
| Adjustment | What changed, why, updated risk | Alternative actions considered |
| Exit | Exit terms, result, plan adherence | Improvement note for next time |
Quality controls that reduce data gaps
- Use one tag naming standard and document it.
- Avoid free-form date formats across notes.
- Record changes immediately after fills when possible.
- Review uncategorized trades each week.
Review-ready journaling: If a stranger could understand why the trade happened and how risk changed, your entry is probably detailed enough.
Related guides
Pair this workflow with tag and note structure and the weekly review checklist.
FAQ
Should I track every intraday thought?
No. Capture the decision points that change risk or trade management. Too much low-signal text makes weekly review harder.
What if I imported the trade from a broker?
Use imports as a starting point, then verify missing fields like thesis, tags, and notes. See the broker import guide.