What is the kindest way to start with debugging with limited time?

Part of me wanted the fancy version with all the tools. The better version was boring: one notebook, one reminder, and a willingness to be clumsy with the setup for a while.

The detail that surprised me was how much the train station changed the outcome. Same plan, different setting, completely different energy.

Would love to hear how other people handle this. I am especially curious about the version that works on a tired weekday, not just on an ideal Sunday