Decide how you will exit before deciding how much to enter.
Write the trade in one sentence
Describe the market, direction, and reason for the trade. Then describe what evidence would make that idea wrong. A clear invalidation is more useful than a target chosen only because the potential profit looks attractive.
Check that the contract actually represents the exposure you mean. A stock-linked perp is not a share, and two contracts with similar tickers can use different references.
Review the amount at risk
Separate your full position value from the collateral assigned to it. Estimate how a move against you changes PnL, then include entry and exit fees. A stop order is a planned exit mechanism, not insurance against gaps or execution failure.
Consider other open positions. Several trades pointing in the same direction can behave like one much larger bet during a fast market move.
Know what to inspect afterwards
Before confirming, verify the selected wallet, order type, time in force, size, leverage, and margin mode. After confirming, verify fills, remaining orders, and the actual position.
Keep a short record of the intended entry, invalidation, exit, and expected costs. That record gives you something concrete to compare with the outcome instead of relying on memory.
A useful journal entry
“Long 2 units at about $50; thesis invalid below $47; review after the event; account for both execution fees.” This records assumptions without implying that the stop can guarantee a $6 maximum loss.
Illustrative figures only. Not a price forecast or trade recommendation.Further reading
Protocol details and market rules can change. Check the current specification before trading.
Educational content, not investment advice. Trading perpetuals can result in substantial loss. Market access is subject to eligibility and location. Product disclosures.