If any of you have one of those "a-ha!" Tips that just makes everything make sense, I would greatly appreciate them.
Probably my biggest "aha!" moment was realizing that developing the skill of lucid dreaming is like learning any skill: it takes dedication, effort, time, and patience. My second biggest "aha!" moment was that that nobody could do it for me.

Technically, no, a dream journal is not required. But at least "good" (preferably "excellent") dream recall *is* required. Spending effort every night recalling dreams and journaling them is the #1 recommended way to build dream recall. So you could conclude that keeping a daily dream journal is *highly desirable* for lucid dreaming.

To become an expert at any skill, you need to:

  • learn theory (fundamentals (self-awareness, memory, expectation, intention), dream recall, reality checks, reflection/intention, DILD, WILD, WBTB, etc.)
  • practice (choose options from the theory and *do* them, day and night)
  • analyse your practice and add positives and remove negatives, preferably with an experienced coach


Here on DV you there are lots of great threads for learning theory and suggestions for concrete practice, and lots of helpful people to help you troubleshoot your practice and discuss theory with . Good luck!

If you haven't yet, start reading in the "Start Here" thread in the Welcome section. Also check out the DV Academy, there are DILD and WILD and introductory courses where you can learn the theory and get feedback from experienced LDers on your practice.