How to Build a One-Page Journal System

Journaling doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the more complex your system, the more likely you’ll abandon it when life gets busy or trading becomes stressful. A one-page journal system is the perfect compromise between simplicity and effectiveness. For prop firm traders managing challenges with Funded Futures Network or funded accounts at Bulenox, this streamlined format helps you capture what matters most—without wasting time.

Why One Page Works

The brain craves structure. When everything you need to review and log is visible at a glance, the mental barrier to journaling disappears. You don’t need 10 tabs or 20 sections to improve. One well-designed sheet can cover all the critical areas of performance, psychology, and compliance.

What to Include in a One-Page Journal

Here are the core elements to build into your one-page layout:

• Date and Session Time
• Market Traded (e.g., ES, NQ, FX pair)
• Strategy or Setup Name
• Entry and Exit Time
• Risk and Reward (R-multiple)
• Setup Quality Rating (1–5)
• Emotional State (Before/During/After)
• Compliance Check (Yes/No for rules)
• One Sentence Summary (What went well or wrong)

This gives you a balanced view without overwhelming your process.

Designing the Layout

You can organize your journal using horizontal rows or columns with labeled sections. If digital, use spreadsheet software. If paper-based, Prop Firm Press Journal Sheets include printable one-page options tailored to prop firm evaluation structures.

Example Layout

Here’s a minimal one-page row format:

One glance tells the full story.

How to Use It Efficiently

• Print 30 sheets at the start of the month and keep them in a binder
• If using Excel/Sheets, duplicate the layout and use one row per day
• Complete the sheet within 15 minutes of your session ending

The faster you log, the more honest and accurate your entries will be.

Bonus Section: Weekly Overview

Add a box at the bottom of the page labeled “Weekly Notes” where you can write:

• Most consistent setup
• Biggest mistake
• Top lesson
• Goal for next week

This creates a review habit without needing another journal entirely.

Prop Firm-Specific Additions

For traders working within rule-driven environments like Prop Shop Traders or Instant Funding, consider adding:

• “Daily Loss Limit Hit?”
• “Trailing Drawdown Margin”
• “Profit Target Progress %”

Keeping rule tracking visible will reduce mistakes during evaluation.

Time-Based Review Prompts

• Morning: What is my one intention today?
• After Trade: Did I follow my plan 100%?
• End of Day: What setup repeated itself? What mistake should I eliminate?

Add these as small checkboxes or prompts on your single sheet.

Color-Coding for Fast Visual Feedback

Use highlighters or colored cells to spot patterns:

• Green: Followed plan and profitable
• Orange: Followed plan but lost
• Red: Broke plan

This creates instant clarity and supports behavior change.

Final Thought Without a Label

You don’t need more data. You need clearer data. A one-page system is the simplest way to build daily consistency, improve performance, and pass evaluations faster. It removes excuses and builds habits. Once you find your template, stick with it for 30 days and watch your execution—and discipline—transform.