Start with the chart screenshot
For gold trades, the screenshot is the strongest evidence. Save the chart showing entry area, stop loss, target, nearby highs or lows, liquidity zones, trend, range, or breakout context.
The screenshot should answer one question later: was this a planned trade or was it a reaction to a fast candle?
Record the session and volatility
XAUUSD often behaves differently during London, New York, overlap, and news periods. Add session and timing notes so your review can separate good setups from emotional entries during high volatility.
If you traded around news, mark it clearly. A trade can have a good result but still be a poor process if the risk was uncontrolled.
Track risk in R, not only money
Record entry, stop loss, target, exit, and result in R. This makes it easier to compare trades even when lot size changes.
For example, if you risked 1R and made 2.5R, the review should focus on whether the setup justified the risk and whether the exit followed the plan.
Tag the mistake while it is fresh
Common XAUUSD mistakes include chasing candles, entering late, moving stop loss, revenge trading after a loss, exiting before target without reason, and taking trades during low-quality ranges.
A journal becomes powerful when the same mistake tag appears several times. That is where your next rule should come from.