A basic facet of the mind, which repeated throughout both Western and Eastern contemplative traditions, as well as modern materialistic psychology, is that attention is trainable, and that attending and returning to an object of concentration quiets the mind and increases concentration.
The crossroads to reflect upon is whether (1) all of those traditions are wrong, (2) that you are especially unique and do not possess a trainable mind, (3) that your application of the method lacking in something, and/or that (4) your evaluation of progress is too rigid and superficial.
You might be making progress in ways you are not noticing. My advice is pay closer attention to the quality of your meditation practice through a written journal. Play closer attention to the qualities of your meditations. For example: Did you have 100% non-attention? Did you have 100% attention? What percentage would you give yourself? Is the percentage increasing or decreasing throughout the months? What mood were you in before the meditation? What mood are you now, based upon your self-evaluation of the meditation?
The only thing constant in life is change. No one stays the same, even if you are not meditating. Therefore, notice what is changing.
Yes, the intellect cannot give us profound knowledge, but we need to use the intellect appropriately in the beginning to know how to apply the practice, to evaluate the results of the practice, and to then more skillfully apply the practice again (and again and again….).
Some students want a perfect 15 minute meditation before they go seek a 20 minute meditation. This is laudable, but with very short meditations, my advice is to try lengthening it once you have some experience. Push yourself into 30 and then 45 minute meditations from time to time with a simple concentration practice. You may notice that only after 20 – 30 minutes do you reach greater levels of tranquility.
Do not abandon the practice – instead notice the qualities of
that mind which wants to abandon the practice. Do that now, don’t wait for meditation. You must start to use your consciousness here and now. This is simple reflection. To say, “I don’t know” is to say, “I can’t use my consciousness.” This is a wrong approach. You have consciousness, therefore, you can know at the level of consciousness you have, right now. You are capable. Don’t wait for a future mind, don’t wait for meditation, do it now. Insight starts here and now in daily life.
Each level of concentration is achieved by using the level of consciousness present before it is achieved. Therefore, it is not a vicious circle. Because you have consciousness, you are capable. And don't forget it!