MASTER Risk Model - Learning Resources - Mindset

Cognitive Adaptability

Read a viewpoint opposite to yours on your market—summarize its strongest point in a single sentence.

Pause and ask: “What’s another way to see this?” when reacting strongly to a difficult founder situation.

Choose one work habit today to do differently—change the order, method, or tool you normally use.

Read an article from a field outside your own—note one idea you could apply directly to your venture.

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

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

Emotional Adaptability

When emotions rise, pause and name the feeling—labeling it reduces its control over your response.

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

Practice replacing a reactive message with a calmer one—pause to edit before pressing send.

Repeat the phrase “I choose how I respond” before entering a tense or potentially difficult situation.

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

Use a quick body scan during pressure—what emotion is stored in your shoulders, neck, or chest?

Behavioral Adaptability

In your next conversation, change your usual style—speak less if you dominate, more if you usually don’t.

Adjust your workday by shifting one recurring routine—notice what happens when you break a pattern.

Choose to observe one entire meeting before speaking—adapt to the group’s rhythm before you join.

Say “yes” to something you’d normally decline—respond differently and document what happens.

Try a different feedback style today—if direct, use inquiry; if soft, be more clear and structured.

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

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