5, 4,3, 2,1 Trick to Regain Focus Instantly
+ 3 Questions With Jack Huang, Associate Director at KPMG Business School
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The 5, 4,3, 2,1 Trick to Regain Focus Instantly
3 Questions with Rod Rothwell, George Mason University Korea
1️⃣ What’s a surprisingly effective strategy you’ve used recently?
The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique. Before a big task—or when something knocks me off course—I visualize a calming place, then count down:
5 things I can see
4 things I can hear
3 things I can feel
2 things I can smell
1 thing I can taste
It’s a simple but powerful way to refocus and return to a productive mindset.
2️⃣ What’s a project that didn’t go as planned, and what did you learn?
A VIP visit I coordinated last year didn’t land as expected.
The key lesson? Buy-in isn’t a one-time thing—it’s ongoing.
You need alignment at every stage, not just at kickoff.
Leaders don’t just set direction; they reinforce it continuously.
If stakeholders aren’t engaged, no amount of logistics will fix it.
Now, I over-communicate the “why” throughout a project, not just at the start.
3️⃣ What key lesson have you learned from a peer or influencer?
The power of a calming presence. I watched a leader effortlessly defuse tense situations—not with words, but with a steady demeanor, warm smile, and quiet confidence.
It reinforced something critical:
- Leadership isn’t about volume or dominance.
- It’s about showing up consistently and authentically so that when things go sideways, people instinctively look to you for clarity.
Presence speaks louder than words.
Thanks for stopping by!
Joe Escobedo, CEO of Escomedia
AI Marketing & Sales Educator