In my experience, it’s not that dire. 

Celebrate and take note of the flashes of insight and the moments of mindfulness.One cannot control the thoughts that come up but one can learn to see  their momentary ceasing. Focus on that!  Learn to recognize the cessation and to stick, literally stick the attention (sense of identity) to the emptiness that ALWAYS accompanies recognition of sensual and mental impressions. 

The coming and going of thoughts cannot be controlled. However, if one keeps withdrawing the attention each time an impression is detected, the reduction and stilling of thoughts/impressions  eventually occurs on its own.

There’s a way to retreat from the battlefield to a zone of REFUGE by not getting involved with impressions. It does happen as one develops a skillful detached precision and becomes less hasty and reactive. As the time of NON-INVOLVEMENT is extended, that’s when one shifts into zones of increased clarity. 

Practice without drama. Don’t sell yourself short.