Define the rule before classifying behavior
Eight planned entries may fit one approach, while three spontaneous entries may violate another plan. Use observable criteria such as a missing setup reason, a trade outside the allowed window or a re-entry without a new condition. These are observations, not a psychological diagnosis.
Preserve the sequence
Do not group trades only into winners and losers. Preserve their order and any changes in size or adherence. Our sample marks two trades as deviations. One gains USD 45 net; the other loses USD 105. Together they produce −USD 60.
Two deviations do not establish a reliable cost forecast. The example instead shows why a profitable deviation would be missed by a review focused only on losses.
Choose an observable process change
For the next session, check a specific recording rule, such as having an entry rationale before every order. Then measure how often that prerequisite was documented. This evaluates an observable workflow change without treating one day as a permanent personal trait.