WBTB/MILD combo: Did I wait too long?

I'd really like to have an LD. My only one has lasted about five seconds, and I just floated out of bed (FA).

Anyway, that took place under a WBTB, using MILD, so I tried that again last night. Nothing! I didn't remember any dreams last night whatsoever. I even ate a banana before bed. Then, I woke up for the WBTB and couldn't get back to sleep (waited 40 minutes before re-entering the bed).

Has anyone else been a newbie like me and struggled with WBTB/MILD? Does it eventually get easier to have an LD? Been trying for six days.

Oh, and I was doing Mantra style, saying "I will lucid dream." I tried a bit of visualization too, but it was hard to keep up. I'm not supposed to reality check as I fall back asleep, right?

well I have an issue, if I'm awake for a certain amount of time, I have an extremely hard time falling back asleep.
I dunno how long you were asleep before you woke up, but maybe try a shorter time :D
It doesn't matter if yo RC before you fall back asleep, I find it more helpful to do so actually