I’m finding that (for me), Ultimas work better when I use them for matters that are active and immediate in my real life. Less for long-term, far away dreams. (Which is how my brain tends to think). More for practical, applied, immediate changes.
Originally, I’d kind of dipped my toe in the water out of basic curiosity and interest. I didn’t find much of anything happening. (Granted, there are a number of possible explanations for that). But then I created and ran a custom Ultima that was directly connected to what I’m most concerned about. I played it here and there for a week to ease it in. (about 1 loop every 1 or 2 days). After about a week, I felt a very strong and unmistakeable effect from it.
Look at your life first. See where an extra push would make a real, actual difference. Then use the related Ultima.