it's true, trying and failing is the whole point of meditation...well one of the points.

even on my best days, i'm focused on the meditation maybe 20-30% of the time, the rest of the time i'm off in thought or wrapped up in emotion.

the brain changes come when you notice you're off in thought, don't judge yourself for it, and attempt to come back to the breath or whatever your anchor is. that practices, that trying, is what creates those pathways that, over time, make it easier and easier.

because i'm so "bad" at focusing, that's why i really enjoy guided meditation, but not one where they talk at you the whole time...they get you started, then pop back in now and then.

you'll notice there are lots of "darma talks" at that link...those are like little lectures...the one on "darma and anxiety" or something like that posted in the last couple weeks by Matt B...was really good.

but if you're looking just for guided meditation, look for titles that say "meditation" or "guided meditation." and as they say, just take whatever is valuable from it,*admin edit*

Ditto ^^^ I can not concentrate on my breathing for that long... i have tried and tried...

two other resources for getting started:

http://marc.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=22

https://www.headspace.com/ (first 10 are free, you pay after that if you want, but first 10 offer a really nice introduction)

remember, failing is the point! bring your mind back once or twice in a 10 minute period from the abyss to something simple like sound or breath or a sensation in your body (generally a neutral/pleasant one is a better anchor) makes those changes in the brain happen.