Turn each trade into a useful observation
Before a paper trade, record the setup, planned entry, invalidation, target, and why you believe the idea is worth testing. After closing it, review both the result and whether you followed your plan. One win does not validate a strategy; one loss does not invalidate it. Look for repeatable patterns across comparable market conditions.
Put it into practice
Review your journal once a week. Separate strategy quality, execution mistakes, fees, and market conditions. Keep losing trades in the record.