Beginner here as well. Do not be disheartened, just follow the advice of some of the more experience posters on this board and keep at it! I don't know who it was that told you that you were not dedicated enough, but don't listen to them. It has been my brief experience that nearly EVERYONE on these boards is extremely helpful and just generally good people.

I believe the DJ is an essential tool. Even if you rarely LD (I have only done so once), it really helps you to see the general atmosphere of your dreams. It has really helped me pick out dream signs more readily; now if only my damn unconscious mind would stop listening to DC's when they tell me I'm not dreaming!!