From a technique point of view, you should lean forwards, get your support arm under the rifle and your right elbow higher, and do a hasty sling-up like what I'm doing with the SKS in this pic. To the extent possible, of course; M-14s weren't really designed for smaller-statured shooters. If you were to get one, you might want to get its stock shortened.

We can work on this next time you're out, if you like.