“Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“What browser do you use?” That was the question I was asked by the U.S. Copyright Office while trying to obtain a copyright for my soon-to-be released book. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what she meant by “browser” so I guessed and apprehensively responded, “Safari?” She kindly explained that the US Copyright Office does not recognize Safari and that I would have to choose a different browser. Without hesitation, she firmly recommended I download Firefox. 

What I didn’t know was that my browser was defining me and not in a good way. Not long ago, economist Michael Housman found out some interesting data about people based on their browser selection. People who used Firefox or Google Chrome instead of Safari or Internet Explorer remained in their jobs 15% longer, were 19% less likely to miss work, and had higher success rates in sales and customer satisfaction. Really? Because of a browser?

Safari and Internet Explorer are the default browsers. To get Firefox or Google Chrome we have to demonstrate some resourcefulness and take the initiative to download them. Where in your life are you accepting the default because it’s easy? Are you passively accepting or actively designing? Take inventory of your life (job, goals, relationships, desires, etc). Most people accept the default. Do you want to fall in that category? Stephen Covey asserts, “Taking the initiative is a form of self-empowerment.” It’s inventory time!

With Gratitude,

Beth