Why I Record My Entry Reason

Every trade should have a reason that I can explain after the session.

When I enter NQ, I want to record the specific setup that justified the decision.

Was it a breakout with continuation? An absorption pattern at resistance? A pullback toward VWAP with confirmation?

I also want to record what would invalidate the idea.

This matters because it becomes easy to invent explanations after a trade closes.

A written entry reason allows me to compare the actual decision with my predefined rules.

Over time, I can identify which setups deserve further testing and which ones consistently lead to poor decisions.

A trading journal should capture the decision-making process, not just the final profit or loss.