Having used a Turntablebasics protractor (also a mirror) for many years, I found adapting to the Mint very easy - "just" a matter of having good closeup vision and enough light, as several have said.
As with most new tasks, understanding and improvement come from practice. Take a day to relax and try again, starting from step 1. Stop for a breather whenever you feel frustrated, cartridge alignment is definitely not a race.
Once you think you've got it, wait a few days and then do it all over again. Each repetition will build understanding, the process will go a bit faster and your results will undoubtedly improve. (Which reminds me, I haven't checked my alignment in a couple of months. Time for more practice!)
As with most new tasks, understanding and improvement come from practice. Take a day to relax and try again, starting from step 1. Stop for a breather whenever you feel frustrated, cartridge alignment is definitely not a race.
Once you think you've got it, wait a few days and then do it all over again. Each repetition will build understanding, the process will go a bit faster and your results will undoubtedly improve. (Which reminds me, I haven't checked my alignment in a couple of months. Time for more practice!)