MASTER Risk Model - Learning Resources - Mindset

Intrinsic Motivation

Shift “I have to pitch” to “I choose to pitch because…” and complete the sentence with your why.

Recast frustration as a clue: “What founder value was challenged, and how do I realign now?”

Replace “I must finish this” with “I want to grow here”—link tasks to purpose, not pressure.

When motivation dips, ask: “What deeper founder reason brought me here in the first place?”

Change “This is boring” to “What part could I make meaningful or creative?”

Reframe ambition as alignment: “What am I building that reflects who I want to be?”

Extrinsic Motivation

Reframe investor praise as validation of value, not ego—“This shows traction others recognize.”

Shift “I just want recognition” to “I want my impact seen”—clarify what validation drives you.

Change “This isn’t worth it” to “What external driver would make this meaningful now?”

Recast revenue goals as fuel for freedom—link numbers to outcomes that truly matter.

Reframe visibility as influence, not vanity—ask: “What message do I want my startup known for?”

See deadlines as startup tools for urgency—clarity for action, not pressure alone.

No Fear

Reframe “I’ll ruin this” as “I’m practicing being bold”—treat the attempt as the real win.

Reframe “I don’t know enough” as “I’m learning by doing”—treat uncertainty as progress.

Reframe “They’ll say no” as “This is my chance to practice courage”—treat the ask as success.

Replace “What if I fail?” with “What will I learn if I try?”—redirect focus toward discovery.

Change “This is unclear” to “This is open space”—treat ambiguity as room for innovation.

Replace “I might look stupid” with “Trying is how I learn”—shift attention from fear to growth.

View failure as iteration, not an end—what would a founder-scientist try differently here?

Turn “There’s no roadmap” into “This is my chance to create one”—embrace founder freedom.

Reframe rejection not as failure but as filtering—every no gets you closer to a better yes.

Reframe “This must succeed” as “I’ll adjust based on results”—focus on agility, not control.

Reframe confusion as curiosity—ask one question instead of withdrawing from the unknown.

Replace “What if they don’t like it?” with “What if this helps one person?”—shift to impact.

Reframe fear as readiness training—each step builds resilience, not just success.

View unpredictability as agility practice—each unknown grows your capacity to adapt.

Recast rejection as feedback, not identity—what founder signal can you act on next time?

Reframe high standards as practice to improve, not proof of worth—focus on progress.

Replace “What if I’m wrong?” with “What could I learn from being wrong this time?”

Shift “They’ll think less of me” to “I’ll think more of myself for trying at all.”

MASTER Risk Hub