Omar, welcome to DV .

It sounds like you had control in the dream, but you weren't lucid at the time. This is perfectly normal, as lucidity and dream control do not come hand-in-hand for most people. The method you're using seems mostly good, and it sounds like it's just an interpretation of the MILD technique (mnemonic induced lucid dream). In MILD, you do a mantra as you try to get to sleep; in other words, you repeat a phrase in your head over and over again, and try to fall asleep with that phrase being the last thought in your head before you fall asleep. I'd say you don't need to cover your eyes with anything though, but if this helps you get to sleep, then do it.

You didn't do anything wrong in the method, and you're remembering to do your reality checks when you wake up. However, every time you do a reality check in real life you should try to be aware of everything you're feeling and any sensations you experience from the reality check. For example, increased ear pressure from trying to breathe out of your nose while pinching it. Finally, I'd say give it time. One of the best tools you have available to you, should you choose to accept it, is patience.

If you've got any other questions, feel free to ask in a post, or send me a private message.

ShockWave.