austronyx | Data-Driven Systematic Trading

PRE-TRADING CHECKLIST

Instructions: Complete this checklist BEFORE opening any positions. If you answer "NO" to more than 2 items, consider reducing position sizes by 50% or sitting out entirely.

MENTAL & PHYSICAL STATE

I had at least 6 hours of sleep last night

Poor sleep degrades decision-making, increases impulsivity, and reduces pattern recognition abilities.

I am not distracted by personal stress, financial pressure, or emotional turmoil

External stressors leak into trading decisions. If your mind is elsewhere, your capital is at risk.

I feel physically healthy (no illness, headaches, or significant discomfort)

Physical discomfort diverts mental resources away from analysis and discipline.

I am not trading to "make back" yesterday's losses or "prove" something

Revenge trading and ego-driven decisions destroy accounts faster than any market move.

I have eaten a proper meal and am hydrated

Blood sugar and hydration directly affect cognitive performance and emotional regulation.

RULE ADHERENCE & PREPARATION

I have reviewed my written trading rules and strategy criteria

Memory fades. Explicit review prevents "I thought the rule was..." rationalizations.

My daily loss limit is set and will be honored without exception

Typical limit: 2-3% of account. Once hit, trading stops immediately for the day.

My maximum position size per trade is calculated and will not be exceeded

Risk per trade: 1-2% of total capital. Position sizing must be determined BEFORE price action tempts you.

I have predefined stop-loss levels for any trades I plan to take

Stops are set at invalidation points, not arbitrary dollar amounts. They execute automatically—no discretion.

My workspace is organized, platforms are open, and I have no technical issues

Check internet connection, broker platform stability, and chart functionality before markets open.

MARKET ANALYSIS & BIAS

I have reviewed higher timeframe structure (daily/weekly) for context

Trading against higher timeframe bias is possible but requires extra caution and tighter risk management.

I have identified key support/resistance levels, order blocks, and liquidity zones

Know where institutional players are likely positioned. Don't trade blind.

I understand today's economic calendar and potential volatility triggers

Major news events (NFP, FOMC, CPI) can invalidate technical setups instantly. Plan around them or sit out.

I have a clear directional bias OR I am prepared to trade reactively based on price action

Uncertainty is fine—forcing trades when there's no edge is not.

I am NOT overconfident after recent wins or desperate after recent losses

Both states cloud judgment. Treat every session independently.

EXECUTION READINESS

I know exactly what setups I'm looking for today

Specific criteria: entry trigger, confluence factors, invalidation point. "I'll know it when I see it" is not a plan.

If I take a trade, I will not check it obsessively or micromanage

Set stops, set targets, let the trade work. Overmonitoring leads to premature exits and violated rules.

I am prepared to take ZERO trades today if no valid setups appear

The best trade is often no trade. Patience is a position.

I will journal every trade immediately after execution

Capture emotional state, entry logic, and plan in real-time—not hours later when memory distorts reality.

FINAL COMMITMENT

I commit to following my rules today, regardless of outcome

Discipline over results. Process over profit. The edge emerges over hundreds of trades, not one session.

Total Checked: 0 / 20

17–20 checked: Excellent mental state. Trade normally.
14–16 checked: Good, but monitor yourself closely. Consider smaller size.
11–13 checked: Warning zone. Reduce size by 50% or skip trading.
10 or fewer checked: DO NOT TRADE. Your state is compromised.

Disclaimer: This template is for educational purposes only. Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

For Systematic & Discretionary Traders