Awareness is the keystone of lucid dreaming. No matter how many reality checks you do, or dream signs you discover, you'll just pass over them if you're not conscious and aware in your dreams. It's important to become skeptical and aware that you could be dreaming at any moment. When you're dreaming, it feels just like real life, and you don't question anything. This is what you have to do in real life. Actually, you could be dreaming right now, so look around, do a reality check, and focus on your breathing.

When you get a few lucids, you'll wonder to yourself, "how did I not notice I was dreaming before?" It's because you weren't aware until that instant, which is how most lucidity starts.

Good luck.