Core trade details
Every journal should start with the basics: date, instrument, direction, entry price, stop loss, take profit, risk amount, position size, and result. Without these fields, you cannot accurately evaluate performance.
Setup and context fields
The real value comes from context. Track the strategy, setup type, timeframe, session, market condition, news environment, entry reason, invalidation, and screenshots. This is what helps you understand whether a setup is repeatable.
| Category | Fields to track |
|---|---|
| Execution | Entry, SL, TP, R:R, position size, result. |
| Context | Session, pair, trend, setup, timeframe, news risk. |
| Review | Mistake, emotion, screenshot, lesson, next action. |
Review fields that improve performance
Good review fields include: did I follow my plan, was the trade worth taking, what emotion was present, what rule was broken, and what should I do differently next time? These fields turn a journal from a record into a training tool.
Why move beyond a spreadsheet?
Spreadsheets are flexible but limited. They rarely provide clean screenshot workflows, AI performance audits, heatmaps, shareable scorecards, or a full premium trading suite. FX Radar Premium combines custom journaling with AI chart analysis, real-time news, AI news analysis, and risk tools.
FAQ
Can I start with a spreadsheet?
Yes. A spreadsheet is better than not journaling. But if you want screenshots, custom views, heatmaps, and AI audits, a dedicated journal is more efficient.
What is the most important journal field?
The reason for entry. If you cannot explain why you entered, reviewing the outcome becomes much less useful.