MASTER Risk Model - Learning Resources - Mindset

Cognitive Adaptability

Read a viewpoint that challenges your target industry—summarize its strongest argument in one sentence.

Ask yourself: “What’s another way to see this hiring requirement?”—look for equivalencies you can prove.

Change one habit today—alter the order, method, or tool you usually use for applications.

Read an article from outside your background—note one idea you could apply in your new field.

Challenge a default choice in a low-stakes task—try the opposite to stretch flexibility.

Use the phrase “That’s interesting—tell me more” when someone challenges your background.

Emotional Adaptability

When emotions rise about your progress, pause and name the feeling—labeling it reduces its influence.

Use a grounding question in stress: “What emotion am I feeling, and is it useful right now?”

Replace a reactive message with a calmer draft—pause to edit before pressing send.

Repeat: “I choose how I respond” before entering a tense or uncertain situation.

Smile or breathe deeply before replying to frustrating news—reset your emotional tone first.

Do a quick body scan during pressure—what emotion sits in your shoulders, neck, or chest?

Behavioral Adaptability

In your next conversation, change your default style—listen more if you lead, speak up if you don’t.

Shift one recurring routine in your search—notice what changes when you break the pattern.

Observe one entire conversation before speaking—adapt to the group’s rhythm before you join.

Say “yes” to something you’d normally decline—try a different response and record the result.

Test a different feedback style—if direct, use inquiry; if soft, be clearer and structured.

Work in a new location for half a day—track how the change shifts focus and behavior.

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