Leadershift: Action follows Attention. Where's Yours?

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This morning I hung out my freshly washed clothes to dry in the sharp, hot Mallorcan sun. After 3.5 years, I was struck by the realization that I actually love to hang my clothes out on the line. It's something so simple and it feels primitive in a timeless way.I didn't grow up hanging my clothes out to dry. We had a washing machine and as an adult I had one too. But here and in many parts of Europe, this is normal.I love folding my laundry and burying my nose in the fresh smell.My decision to move to Mallorca was not an easy one. The San Francisco Bay Area had a strong pull. But my intense longing to slow down and simplify won out.There have been tradeoffs, however. In order to reach out across the globe, my computer and I have developed a very intimate relationship. Connections with friends, family, colleagues are through Skype. I fly away to work and network. There are many, many things I miss about my life in California.Yet, I continue to choose here and live in a way that is congruent with my vision. By my daily choices, I choose simplicity. Social connection is spontaneous. For human contact, a stroll to the plaza ensures a meet-up with friends and acquaintances. "Holas" to Mr. postman, Marga the banker, a wave to the butcher Joan as I pass his shop. Somedays I pop into the sporting goods store for a chat with Karen or Michelle. Inevitably, someone wants to sit down for a coffee. Drew called today to invite a few of us over for tapas and drinks tonight.For food shopping and errands, I strap on my saddle bags and hop on my trusty steed--my bicycle--and I'm off to the market.! Some weeks, I may use my car just once.I pick lemons, oranges, figs, grapes, and plums from the orchard to eat on the day.Everyday I have to prioritize. It would be so easy to get swept off course. You see, we create our life with every little and big decision. As leaders of organizations and in life, we create the results we get. Everyone is thrown curve balls, and some more than others. How we respond is what makes all the difference.Ask yourself, "Is my vision clear and do I keep it in front of me at all times?" and "Do the actions I take move me towards my vision?"Action follows intention and attention. Many of us react to what is most immediate and in front of us. Time to step back and look inside. What are my priorities? What is my intention? What do I do with my time and does it reflect my intention and priorities?My professional vision is to promote my brand globally and play on a larger stage; to bring my voice out in the world and to work with leaders to make a shift towards conscious leadership.What's your vision? Do you see yourself clearly in the picture? Do your words and actions demonstrate these priorities and do you offer clear direction to your organization and your team? Remember, they are watching your every move and taking cues from you.Small Choices. Big Impact.