MASTER Risk Model - Learning Resources - Mindset

Cognitive Adaptability

Read a blog post with a viewpoint opposite to your own on growth—summarize its strongest point in one sentence.

Pause and ask: “What’s another way to see this?” when reacting strongly to a product or team issue.

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

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

Challenge your default choice in a low-stakes founder task—try the opposite for flexibility.

Use the phrase “That’s interesting—tell me more” when your idea is challenged.

Emotional Adaptability

When tensions rise with co-founders, pause and name the feeling—labeling it reduces its control over you.

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

Practice rewriting a reactive message to your team—pause and edit before you press send.

Repeat: “I choose how I respond” before entering a tense founder conversation or negotiation.

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

Do a quick body scan—notice where stress is stored in your shoulders, chest, or jaw.

Behavioral Adaptability

In your next founder meeting, shift your usual style—speak less if you dominate, more if you usually don’t.

Adjust one recurring founder routine today—notice what happens when you break a pattern.

Choose to observe an entire pitch meeting before speaking—adapt to the group’s rhythm first.

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.

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

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