[Cucoulkrory]

I have to admit, the stage you are at is quite common for an average beginner (like myself) and yes, i've experienced everything you've described, but still can't make it out. When you feel, you are getting close, your overexcitement and eagerness keep you too alert. quite often i found myself with a tensed neck (trying hard to get out and actually physically respond to my desire) that shouldn't happen. Sometimes i may feel my astral hands alone floating, other times i feel my whole body sinking in my bed.

dont think about anything thaaat's a good one. A random thought may spoil everything for it (as it has done a 100 times for me).

visualizations right away is not really going to get you anywhere unless you already have a certain amount of control over your consciousness when all senses are disabled. Actually i'm beginning to think, the exit techniques are not that helpful, all you need is the right state of mind, everything else will come by itself or you'll know what to do.

Your only problem is becoming discouraged. That's the biggest issue i'm facing right now. It prevents me from making any progress, too. In less than a week i got all those funny symptoms while trying to project, since then i didn't get a step closer.

Motivation is a lot here... this is all on mental level, and if you're losing faith, you're losing hope and thus stopping yourself from achieving your goal. I've been trying to exit for over a month and now i'm starting to lose interest, hope, faith, desire, etc... I know that some people are trying for a few years with no success (then they obviously give up )
Your enthusiasm and inspiration come from success, your success comes from enthusiasm and inspiration... It's up to you which end to start from.