What to Write After Every Trade (Even the Bad Ones)

Every trade tells a story. Whether it’s a win, a loss, or a breakeven exit, documenting what happened helps you become a better trader over time. But many traders, especially those new to prop firm evaluations, avoid writing about their losing trades. That’s a mistake. In fact, the losses often hold the most powerful insights. Here’s what you should be writing down after every trade—even the ugly ones.

Start with the Basics

Your post-trade journal should begin with objective trade data:

This forms the backbone of your log. Digital journals like Notion, Edgewonk, or Prop Firm Press Journal Sheets help you structure these entries quickly.

Add Your Trade Intent

Once the raw data is logged, write a few sentences explaining why you took the trade:

This section helps you identify whether you’re trading based on logic or emotion. Over time, you’ll spot whether your profitable trades come from planned setups—or gut instincts.

Review Your Mindset

Next, document your emotional state:

Prop firm traders who pass evaluations often track their mindset as closely as their entries. You’ll start to see patterns like “I always lose money when I trade out of frustration” or “My best trades happen after meditation.”

Assess Rule Compliance

Every prop firm has rules—daily drawdown, maximum lot size, consistency, etc. Did you follow the rules?

Journaling this helps you avoid blowing accounts over simple rule breaks. Include a checkmark or score if needed.

Was the Trade Executed Well?

Ask yourself:

Execution review separates strategy issues from timing or emotional errors. You might be using a strong setup—but mismanaging it under pressure.

Write the Lesson

This is the most important part of your entry:

Keep it short but honest. Even a one-sentence takeaway creates awareness. For example: “When I chase breakouts without confirmation, I lose more than I gain.”

Rate the Trade

Use a simple 1–5 rating system for trade quality. This helps you reflect quickly without overthinking:

This rating doesn’t reflect profit or loss—it reflects process. That distinction is crucial in trading.

Use Screenshots

Attach a screenshot of your chart before and after the trade. Highlight:

A visual reference reinforces your journal entry and makes review easier weeks later.

Tag the Entry

If you’re using a digital system, use tags or categories:

This lets you filter and analyze trends over time. For instance, you might learn you perform worse on Mondays or when revenge trading after a big loss.

Example Entry

Trade: NQ short on 1-min chart at 10:15 AM
Setup: Reversal off VWAP with bearish engulfing candle
Entry: 17750.00 / Exit: 17720.00
Profit: +$300 / RR: 2:1
Emotion: Focused and calm
Mistake: Exited a bit early due to FOMC news
Lesson: Wait for full confirmation and news clearance
Rating: 4 (Good)

Screenshot: Attached with annotations.

Keep a Trade Mistake Log

Use a separate log to track recurring issues. For every mistake entry, write:

This long-term mistake log shows whether you’re improving or repeating patterns.

Stay Consistent

Don’t just journal good trades. Journal every trade. Over time, your journal becomes the map of your evolution. Traders who journal consistently get funded faster and stay funded longer.

Use Templates

The Prop Firm Press Journal Sheets offer printable versions of post-trade templates so you never skip a step—even on losing days. Use them in combination with digital tracking for maximum awareness.

Final Thought

The goal isn’t to make your journal look good—it’s to make your trading better. Be honest. Be consistent. And review often. Every trade—especially the bad ones—has something to teach you.

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