In your head. You're thinking too much. It's one of the easier traditional road systems to get in and out of.

If you find it's really never going to work then it's worth trying different systems. Something totally different meaning not the same basic setup (ie - avoid Shimano SPD-SL)

Your foot should just come forward, hit the pedal and push in as you accelerate.

I have used a LOT of systems over the last few decades. I have found that I can usually easily get the hang of any system within a short period of time if not instantly, but there was Crank Bros Candy. Just couldn't get into them quickly and easily. They weren't too different from any other system out there, but for some reason my body mechanics couldn't nail it. So I switched and am super happy.

So....sometimes it just isn't going to work.

But like I said - Look are simple and I can't tell you how many "rec" style riders I see who can totally flip out nervous concerning getting their foot into a pedal. Those riders are causing their own problems at that point.