As the title suggests I was wondering what kind of notes or things do traders scribble down in their journals? I often see day traders with a pen and a journal during a trading session but never quite understood what they actually write down on them.

When in a trade, I try to repeatedly ask myself "what is the market trying to tell me?" and journal my answers

I will try to journal how I am feeling about a trade. This leads to self awareness which leads to self control

I will journal my self talk

I will write down ideas that come to mind that I would like to research further

acidphoenix 

As the title suggests I was wondering what kind of notes or things do traders scribble down in their journals? I often see day traders with a pen and a journal during a trading session but never quite understood what they actually write down on them.

@kickmic post is terrific.

For me I mainly journal my rational for entering a trade. I also journal after the trade to talk about how I managed the trade. For instance, I might note that I poorly managed the trade and was scared out of bigger profits by closing out too soon because I lost conviction.

For example:

"Thought about the need to shift focus. Came back and waited for a good entry. Read it well with a good R:R. Great trade, but probably could have held it longer. Got a bit scared and wanted to end flat+"

It might seem silly to write these things down, and sometimes you wonder if you'll ever revisit them, but I find them invaluable. I often revisit my journal. It provides a linear progression of my growth as a trader. It also reminds me of my weaknesses as an individual. All of these things are important as you develop.