Mantra is a chosen sound-form that organizes attention and may refine prana. Results come from purity of attention more than volume of noise.
If you have a traditional ishta mantra, keep it. If not, begin with a simple traditional form authorized in your culture of practice, or Om with humility. Do not shop weekly.
One mala (108) with attention beats eleven malas with agitation. Use a mala to free the mind from counting anxiety.
Seed syllables are potent. Approach with reverence. If you lack formal initiation for specific beeja practices, keep foundation japa and study rather than inventing intense rites.
Too fast; jaw clenched; comparing progress; mixing ten mantras; practicing when exhausted and then blaming “energy attack.”
Track date, count, quality (1–5), sleep, notes. Review weekly. Consistency is the secret that is not a secret.