Mac mini M1 connected to Dell S2722QC monitor used to work, but now I’m locked out.

I forgot my password and I keep getting locked out of my Mac mini M1. The display on the Dell S2722QC has my initials, my name and an Enter Password field. (There is no ?, as one help video suggested). I have been trying to log into recovery mode by restarting and pressing Command-R but I just come to this display. I have researched extensively and nothing I have tried is getting me past this. I even looked up if I could reset the password via my iPad and all I was able to do is reset my Apple ID password. Couldn’t get any farther. Also, (might be a separate issue, but maybe not), upon restarting I always get a message that it can’t identify a USB-c connection, even though there is one and it’s a compatible cord and plugged into the right places. There’s also an HDMI corn connecting the 2. I reset the monitor’s preference to chose the USB-c auto. Eventually I get to the log in screen where I remain stuck. Help! Also…all of this is like learning Ancient Greek to me, so you may have to respond as if you were explaining this to a golden retriever.