A trading journal is just a record of every trade: what you bought, why, where your stop and target were, and what actually happened. It sounds boring, and it is the fastest way most traders improve.
Write down your reason before the trade, when you are honest, then check it later against the result. Over time your journal shows your real patterns: the setups that pay you, and the habits, like chasing green candles or moving stops, that quietly cost you.
Review with honesty, not blame. A losing trade you took by the plan is a good trade. A winning trade where you broke your rules is still a warning, because that luck will not last.
Judge yourself on process, not on one outcome. An honest journal turns your losses into lessons and makes your mistakes stop repeating.
Tip. Note how you felt on each trade, not just the numbers. Bored, fearful, or greedy entries usually leave a trail in the journal long before they show up in your account.