MASTER Risk Model - Learning Resources - Mindset

Cognitive Adaptability

Reframe “That’s not how it’s done” as “What if I test it once?”—treat it as an experiment.

Replace “That won’t work” with “Under what conditions could this succeed?”—write one scenario.

Reframe uncertainty as optionality—more paths forward, not just more problems.

When stuck, say: “Let’s flip it”—assume the opposite is true and brainstorm ideas.

Reframe disagreement as information, not threat—what data point could they be adding?

Reframe mistakes as data in your founder lab—adjust your hypothesis and test again.

Emotional Adaptability

Reframe market discomfort as emotional growth—what resilience muscle is being built now?

Shift “This is discouraging” to “This is stretching me”—notice how that changes your effort.

Reframe hesitation as a chance to ask: “What fear am I protecting, and is it real?”

Instead of “I can’t handle this,” say: “I’m learning to navigate this better each time.”

View strong emotions in venture life as signals—ask: “What is this teaching me right now?”

Reframe detachment as a call for reconnection—who or what will re-engage you now?

Behavioral Adaptability

Reframe “That’s just my style” as “That’s who I was—how do I want to grow as a founder now?”

Shift “Changing feels fake” to “Adapting is strategic”—see behavior as part of your founder toolkit.

Replace “I hate this feedback” with “What test could I run to stretch this area?”

Change “They’re difficult” to “How can I flex my style to work with them effectively?”

Recast routine as rigidity—what founder habit may now be limiting adaptability?

See behavior change as founder range—flex for impact, not to please others.

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