In the world of trading, continuous improvement is the pathway to success. To achieve this, traders must adopt a comprehensive approach that involves analyzing their trades from a macro perspective and delving into the details of their execution fills. In this article, we will explore the significance of the execution review process as a crucial component of trading review. By engaging in regular execution reviews, traders can gain a deeper understanding of their trading patterns, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments that align with their desired trading outcomes. Additionally, we will emphasize the importance of maintaining a trading playbook to track and enhance performance over time.

Overall Trade Review

Before diving into the intricacies of execution review, it is essential to establish a broader framework for analyzing trading performance. The overall trade review provides a macro-level assessment, enabling traders to identify larger trends, pinpoint areas of improvement, and make informed decisions regarding optimal trading times and other essential factors. This comprehensive analysis sets the stage for a more focused examination of execution fills. This overall trade review is best done on a daily basis. For formatting this review and staying organized, we recommend the Trade Review template that was created for this purpose.

The Power of Execution Review

Execution review, performed at least twice a week, entails a meticulous analysis of trades executed during specific sessions. It serves two primary purposes: analyzing individual fills and fostering a collaborative environment, especially when working in groups. During this process, traders evaluate their execution performance, provide constructive feedback to peers, and seek answers to key questions: What aspects did we handle well? Where could we have performed better? What major mistakes were made? These questions serve as the foundation for continuous improvement. If you are looking for a collaborative environment of both professional and developing traders, join us in the Trader’s Thinktank.

Unveiling Critical Insights

Within the execution review process, traders uncover invaluable insights that fuel further dialogue and adjustment. For instance, by reviewing their fills, traders may discover that they execute at opportune areas but tend to exit positions prematurely due to excessive anxiety about securing profits. The consequence? They miss out on larger moves and end up with only a fraction of their initial positions. This recurring pattern can be rectified by consciously holding onto more of their positions for a longer duration, aligning their actions with the trade's expectancy. Over time, traders gain confidence in their abilities and optimize their trading performance.

The Crucial Role of Execution Review in the Trading Review Process

Failing to engage in regular execution reviews undermines a trader's ability to gain critical understanding and drive improvement. By meticulously analyzing fills at least twice a week, traders acquire invaluable insights, helping them bridge the gap between macro-level statistics and micro-level actions. It is within this iterative review process that traders fine-tune their strategies, align their executions with desired outcomes, and elevate their overall trading performance. Execution review is a very important component of a trader’s development and one that I have written about extensively.

The Importance of a Trading Playbook

To maximize the benefits of execution review, traders are encouraged to maintain a trading playbook—a comprehensive record of their trades, insights, and lessons learned. The playbook serves as a compass, guiding traders through their journey of self-improvement. By regularly updating and referring to this invaluable resource, traders can track their progress, identify recurring patterns, and refine their strategies accordingly. It is also a great way to get “trading reps” without actually placing a trade.

Conclusion

In the dynamic world of trading, success lies in continuous self-improvement. The execution review process, supported by a comprehensive trading playbook, offers traders the opportunity to analyze their fills, identify areas for enhancement, and align their actions with desired outcomes. By embracing this essential component of the trading review process, traders unlock the power of self-analysis, driving their trading performance to new heights. Remember, excellence is not a destination but a continuous journey of self-reflection and improvement.