The Emotional Log, A Template for Tracking How You Feel

[Fairman]

The Emotional Log, A Template for Tracking How You Feel

Most journals focus on prices and setups. An emotional log adds the missing piece: what was happening inside you when you traded. Over time, it reveals patterns that charts can't.

Here's a simple template to add to your journal.

Before the trade:

- Energy level (1 to 5)
- Mood (calm, anxious, bored, excited, frustrated)
- Reason for taking the trade (one sentence)
- Confidence in the setup (1 to 5)

During the trade:

- Did I feel the urge to move my stop or target? (yes or no)
- What was I thinking?

After the trade:

- Result in R
- Did I follow my rules? (yes or no)
- How do I feel now?
- What would I do differently?

Weekly review questions:

- Which emotions appeared most before losses?
- Which emotions appeared before my best trades?
- How often did I trade while tired, bored, or angry?
- What triggers my worst decisions?

Tips:

- Be honest, since nobody else will read it
- Keep entries short
- Look for patterns, not single events

After a month, you'll likely discover specific emotional triggers. That knowledge can guide new rules, like "no trading when angry."

You can't manage what you haven't noticed. Start noticing.