Hey Skipper1100, thanks for your reply. You make a good point. It seems that performing mechanical RCs can do more harm than good because as a mindless habit they'll transfer to our dreams in that way and will not help getting lucid.

Fortunately, I have been doing several RCs as a result of prospective memory training for the last six weeks or so. The events triggering my mind to be aware and do RCs has increased over this time. The awareness aspect seems to be a struggle. I find myself going through hours of time without thinking about it, then at other times I am able to maintain awareness with more ease. My mind, of course, tends to wander fairly quickly on a lot of discursive thought.