This is what the reality check is for. The dreamsign makes you lucid, or what is sometimes called semi-lucid. The RC engages your critical thinking and prospective memory. By momentarily getting off the "script" of the dream and engaging your mental faculties, you strengthen your lucid state. Then you are able to do more conscious reasoning and decision-making instead of just going along with the dream.

So do to that, you want to create a prospective memory trigger. Remind yourself several times a day and especially before going to sleep that, if you become lucid or have any doubt about reality, you will try the nose-pinch RC.