Options Trading Journal: What It Is Why You Need One

A trading journal is an important tool for all options traders. When you keep a trading journal, you track your successes and failures in the market. 

This information can help you make better trading decisions in the future. In this blog post, we will discuss what an options trading journal is and why you should consider keeping one. 

We will also provide tips on how to keep an options trading journal and track your options trades. Finally, we will answer some common questions about options trading journals. 

Why you should consider having an options trading journal 

A trading journal is important because it allows you to track your progress as a trader. By keeping a record of your trades, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses. This information can help you improve your trading strategy. 

It will also allow you to make better decisions when you are trading in the future. In addition, a trading journal can help you stay disciplined. 

When you have a record of your trades, you can hold yourself accountable for your actions. This discipline can lead to improved performance in the markets. Another reason to consider keeping a trading journal is that it can help you manage your risk. 

When you track your trades, you can identify patterns in your behavior. This information can help you adjust your risk management strategy. 

Finally, a trading journal can help you stay motivated. When you see your progress over time, it can give you the motivation to keep trading. When you have a goal to improve your performance, it can help you stay focused and disciplined. 

What should a trading journal include? 

Your options trading journal should include information about each trade that you make. You should record the date, time, stock symbol, options expiration date, strike price, and the number of contracts traded. 

You should also note whether the trade was a buy or sell order. In addition to this basic information, you should also record your thoughts on the trade, such as:

• Why did you enter the trade? 
• What were your expectations? 
• Did the trade meet your expectations? 

You should also record how you felt during the trade. Did you feel confident? Nervous? Excited? This information can help you identify your emotions and how they impact your trading. To make sure you have the right trading psychology behind every trade.

Finally, you should record the outcome of the trade. Did you make money or lose money? How much money did you make or lose? This information will help you assess your performance. 

How do you keep a trading journal? 

There are many ways to keep a trading journal. You can use a spreadsheet, a word processing document, or even a notebook. The important thing is that you find a method that works for you. If you are using a computer, we recommend using a spreadsheet such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. 

This will allow you to easily track your trades and see your progress over time. If you are using a notebook, we recommend using a dedicated notebook for your trading journal. This will help you keep your journal organized and prevent it from getting lost. 

It can also be helpful to keep a physical trading journal near your trading desk. By doing so, you will be reminded to update your journal after each trade. 

How do you track options trading? 

Options trading should be tracked differently than regular trading. When tracking options trading, you want to make sure that you are including all the pertinent information. 

This includes the date of the trade, the type of options trade, the expiration date, the underlying security, the strike price, and the premium. You also want to include the reason for entering the trade, as well as your exit strategy. 

Do you need to have a trading journal to be successful? 

No, you don’t need to have a trading journal to be successful. However, a trading journal can be a helpful tool for all traders. By being able to record and track your trades, you can identify errors in your trading strategy and make adjustments to improve your performance. 

What type of trader would benefit from a trading journal? 

The answer is all types of traders! Whether you are a day trader, swing trader, or even a position trader, a trading journal can be an invaluable tool. 

A trading journal can help you track your progress, spot errors in your trading strategy, and give you a record of your successes (and failures) to look back on. Think of it as a way to hold yourself accountable and stay on track with your trading goals. 

How do you start a trade journal? 

First, you need to decide what format you want your trading journal to be in. This can be a physical notebook, a computer spreadsheet, or even an online journal. Once you have decided on the format, you need to start filling in the details. 

To fill out the details, you will want to track the important information mentioned above. If you do not want to create the outline yourself, you can buy a pre-made trade journal or find a template online. No matter which route you decide to take, make sure you are consistent in tracking your trades. 

If you are not sure where to start, you can always look at other traders' journals for inspiration. Remember, the most important part is that the journal works for you and helps you become a better trader. Now that you know what an options trading journal is and how to start one, it's time to get started! 

Common questions about trading journals 

What is the best way to track my trades? 

There is no one “best” way to track trades. The important thing is that you find a method that works for you. However, many traders have benefited from trading journals. 

Does it take a long time to set up a trading journal?

No, it doesn’t have to take a long time to set up a trading journal. You can use a simple spreadsheet to track your trades. 

Do I need to be a professional trader to have a trading journal?

No, you don’t need to be a professional trader to have a trading journal. A trading journal can be helpful for all types of traders. 

When should you record information in a trading journal? 

It can be helpful to track information in a trading journal after each trade. This will help you track your progress and spot errors in your trading strategy. 

Does Thinkorswim have a trading journal? 

Yes, Thinkorswim does have a trading journal. To access the trading journal, go to Tradervue.com and sign up for an account. Keep in mind that if you are a frequent trader (30 trades per month or more) you would need to pay for a subscription. 

Conclusion

To summarize, an options trading journal is important because it allows you to track your progress, see what works and what doesn't, and make adjustments accordingly. Even if you are just starting to trade options, and you practicing with a paper trading account, you can still keep a journal.

It should include information such as the date, time, ticker symbol, type of trade, entry price, exit price, and profit or loss. If you are trading options, record the relevant information. 

You can keep a trading journal by hand or use software like Thinkorswim. To start a trade journal, simply decide what information you want to track and then begin recording it for each trade. 

By having a trading journal, you will be able to see your progress as a trader and make the necessary adjustments to improve your results. If you don't have a trading journal yet, now is the time to start one. It will be beneficial for your trading career in the long run.