How to avoid getting "distracted"

Hey everyone,

I've been lurking on and off in this forum for a while, and just yesterday have resolved to seriously pursue lucid dreaming. I've already had a few lucids since joining, however they were short lived for one of two reasons:

1) Whenever I end up realizing that I'm dreaming, my next immediate thought is usually "now don't wake up!". This is like when someone tells you not to think about something, so as a result it naturally becomes impossible to do and its the only thing on your mind. So I realize that I'm dreaming -> realize that I shouldn't wake up -> think about waking up -> wake up.

2) Even if I end up avoiding this trainwreck of thought, I usually end up trying to have dream sex, despite IRL resolving to avoid doing so MANY MANY times. I sometimes have a small agenda prepared of stuff to attempt next time I'm lucid. However, when I actually gain lucidity I decide to abandon this agenda and get distracted with the prospect of dream sex, which inevitably leads to my waking up.

How is it possible to consistently avoid having these two problems immediately upon entering a dream state?

-Numegil

This happens very frequently when first starting out. Just keep at it, and that'll go away for a while.

I have this problem too. My LDs used to always end right away, but the more LDs I have, the easier it is to not wake up. Just keep practicing; after a certain number of LDs it won't be so much of a shock and you won't panic about not waking up.

I also get distracted from what I planned on doing, but with flying. :P I haven't actually been able to fly in a LD yet. I read in EWOLD that it's best to have fun in a few LDs before trying to do experiments and whatnot.

Try going into a lucid dream with a single goal in mind. That way, you wont lose concentration being unsure of what to do.

You'll have plenty of opportunities to complete your goals. You don't need to overwhelm yourself.