Journaling

Why the best traders write things down, what to record for every trade, and how a simple weekly review turns your own history into your best teacher.

Your memory is not reliable

Most traders remember their big wins clearly and their mistakes vaguely. Memory edits the story to protect your ego. A trading journal fixes that by recording what actually happened, when it happened, and what you were thinking at the time.

A journal turns trading from a series of isolated bets into a process you can study and improve. Many experienced traders say it was the single habit that made the biggest difference.

Unlock all of Investing School

The rest of this lesson, its chart examples and quiz are part of Investing School. Start free with Stock Market Fundamentals and the first lesson in every category.