So I've been lucid before (even though it was on total accident) so I get the gist of what it feels like, and I know how to confirm lucidity. (I usually just check a clock.)

However, I'm terribly at spotting dreamsigns. And I've tried using a lot of techniques like the "Hands" technique. (Which almost worked the first night, but hasn't since.) and various repetition techniques.
I can't seem to fall asleep while doing the repetition. When I repeat out loud, it's extremely hard for me to fall asleep for who knows why. When I repeat it over and over in my mind, the constant mental work (i think) makes it hard for me to sleep.

Do you have a technique (without binaurals) that can help me go lucid tonight? Or any advice on how to improve techniques I'm already using? (And I am already keeping a dream journal, just FYI.)