Think back to a moment when you helped someone send their first email or guided them through downloading a photo of their grandchild. Or maybe you sat with them as they picked out the perfect new laptop. Do you remember their smile? The look of pride and joy as they mastered something new?

That’s the magic of small tech victories. They’re not just about the task—they’re about the connection, the confidence, and the excitement of learning.

This holiday season, let’s celebrate those wins. Whether it’s your triumph or the moment you helped someone else, these milestones are worth reliving. They’re the gifts that keep on giving.

Personal Story

A few days ago, I worked with Paul, a semi-retired attorney in his 70s. Paul is a powerhouse—a man with a long, successful career who still operates at full throttle. But even he needed a little help navigating today’s tech world.

Paul was shopping for a new laptop to kick off the next chapter of his career. “I don’t want all those bells and whistles,” he told me. “Just something simple that gets the job done.” Here’s the thing: Paul hadn’t bought a laptop in years, and the ones he’d used before were always provided by the law firms he worked for.

We spoke on the phone, and I asked him the right questions:

What do you need the laptop for?
What’s your budget?
How important is portability?

Based on his answers, we found a killer Dell laptop that checked all his boxes. We sat at his dining room table when I visited his home to help set it up. I walked him through everything: setting up his software, connecting his email accounts, and tweaking the settings to fit his workflow.

At first, Paul was hesitant. “I don’t want to mess this up,” he said. But his confidence grew as we clicked through the setup, and Paul got hands-on experience. “I couldn’t do this bullshit without you!” he said with a laugh.

Later, as I sipped water from his kitchen, I saw him in his element—headset on, smiling, zipping through client files on his new laptop. That moment reminded me how even small victories, such as setting up a new device, can light up someone’s day and make a huge impact.

Making Tech Easy: Small Wins, Big Smiles

Want to help someone in your life experience their own first tech win? Here are a few simple ways to get started:

Start Small: Begin with something approachable, like sending a holiday email, downloading family photos, or setting up a festive playlist.

Be Patient: Let them try each step at their own pace. Remember, it’s not a race—it’s about building confidence.

Break It Down: Use simple, clear instructions. For example, “Click this button, then type the name here.”

Celebrate the Win: Acknowledge their progress. A “Great job!” or even a happy dance can make all the difference.

Encourage Practice: Suggest they repeat the task several times to solidify the skill.

Encouragement and Support

Every small win builds confidence. For many older adults, tackling new technology can feel overwhelming. But with some guidance and patience, they can achieve more than they ever thought possible.

I’ve seen it happen time and again. They’ll start with something simple, like sending an email, and before you know it, they’re setting up playlists, joining family video calls, and even doing some online holiday shopping. A little encouragement goes a long way.

Beyond the Screen

These wins are about more than just technology—they’re about connection. Learning to download a photo isn’t just about the file; it’s about seeing your grandchild’s smile whenever you open your phone. Sending an email isn’t just about the words; it’s about staying in touch with someone you love.

Technology has the power to enrich lives, strengthen relationships, and foster independence. It’s never too late to learn, and the rewards are worth it.

Tech Hiccups: Laughing Through the Learning Curve

Of course, there’s always a learning curve. Who hasn’t heard, “Wait, where did it go?!” after downloading a file? Or the classic, “Oh shit, what happened now?!”

The missteps are all part of the journey. And let’s face it, they make the victories even sweeter—and much more memorable.

Your Turn to Shine

This holiday season, let’s celebrate those small tech wins. Whether helping someone else or learning something new, remember that every step forward counts.

If you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry—help is always available. Tech support doesn’t have to be intimidating. It can be a fun, collaborative experience that brings people closer together, especially during the holidays.

Let’s Hear from You!

What was your first tech win? Was it sending an email? Downloading a song? Picking out your first laptop? Share your story—I’d love to hear it.

And if you’re ready for your next big tech moment, let’s make it happen together. Let’s keep the smiles coming this holiday season—one small victory at a time.

Until next time—stay connected!

Dave

Relive the Joy of First Tech Wins This Holiday Season