Video summary

how I journal my trades (MAKE MORE PROFITS)

Main summary

Key takeaways

Finance

Finance-Focused Summary (Trading Journal Methodology)

The video argues that a trading journal is essential for becoming a disciplined, profitable trader. It emphasizes recording what matters before, during, and after each trade—and using the journal for continuous improvement, not just to track profit/loss.

Instruments / Markets / Assets Mentioned

  • Forex (explicitly referenced: “Forex Traders we use journals”)

No specific tickers, ETFs, commodities, bonds, or crypto are mentioned.

Trading Journal Framework (5 Required Components)

1. Mental State (Before Trading)

  • Record your emotions and psychological condition for the day (e.g., happy, sad, angry).
  • Caution: avoid trading when emotionally impaired (sad/angry/uneasy), or when physically unwell (e.g., fever).

2. Trade Performance (Per Trade Logging)

For each trade (example given: 5 trades in a day), record:

  • Why you entered (setup / confluences)
  • Lot size used
  • Outcome: win or loss
  • Profit (if win) / loss (if loss)
  • What happened before and after the trade

Purpose: review later to identify recurring errors, such as:

  • Lot size too big
  • Not following the trading plan

3. Market Conditions (Trade Context)

Document the environment during the trade:

  • Market type: trending vs. consolidating/choppy
  • Volatility: volatile vs. smoother conditions
  • Whether economic news announcements occurred around the time you traded (as they can disrupt positions)

4. Positives and Negatives (Brutal Honesty)

  • Write what you did well and what you did wrong.
  • Example positives:
    • Analyzed the market
    • Waited for the three confluences before entry
    • Used the correct lot size
  • Example negatives:
    • Entered early with only two confluences instead of three
    • Didn’t follow the trading plan / lacked discipline
    • Revenge trading or overtrading

5. Percentage of Goals Achieved (Process-Based Goals)

The video discourages setting goals based purely on money because market conditions can change outcomes.

Instead, track controllable process metrics, such as:

  • Following the trading plan
  • Following the risk management plan
  • Using the correct lot size

It frames “money per trade” as unreliable due to volatility and different market smoothness.

Key Numbers / Explicit Examples Mentioned

  • Example money goal discussed: aiming for $1,000 per day or per week (presented as less achievable vs. process goals)
  • Example trade count: 5 trades in a day
  • Example loss amount: $500 (used to explain why people quit journaling after losses)
  • Confluence rule example: three confluences (and the mistake of entering with only two)

Recommendations and Cautions Emphasized

  • Do not trade when mentally/emotionally compromised (sad/angry/uncomfortable/sick) or when in states like revenge trading or overtrading.
  • Record details thoroughly to identify specific recurring execution mistakes (e.g., lot size, confluence count, plan adherence).
  • Include both positives and negatives in the journal—avoid journaling only as self-berating, so confidence doesn’t collapse.
  • Expect a common failure mode: many people stop journaling after a few days due to laziness or discomfort after losses; the video suggests building a daily habit of reflection to stay consistent.

Disclosures / Disclaimers

  • No explicit “not financial advice” disclaimer appears in the subtitles provided.

Presenter / Source

  • The subtitles do not provide a clearly named presenter.
  • The speaker refers to themselves in first person (e.g., “if you want to be like me…”).

Original video