MASTER Risk Model - Learning Resources - Mindset

Intrinsic Motivation

Write down one task today and add “because I care about…” to reconnect it with personal meaning in freelancing.

Choose one project and link it to your values—why does this matter to you beyond the income?

Block ten minutes to work on something that energizes you—no outcome needed, just enjoy the flow.

Start your day by asking: “What would make today feel meaningful, not just productive?”

Keep a “why I freelance” sticky note visible—anchor your actions to your deeper intrinsic motivation.

Say no to one freelance task that drains your energy and doesn’t align with your deeper sense of purpose.

Extrinsic Motivation

List one reward or recognition that motivates you—remind yourself of it before starting a tough project.

Share a recent achievement on LinkedIn—notice how acknowledgment boosts your focus or drive.

Create a simple reward system for a task you’re avoiding—tie completion to something enjoyable.

Add a visible progress tracker for a long-term project—watching progress builds commitment and drive.

Identify one area where accountability could help—share your current freelance goal with a peer.

Choose one freelance task to finish before lunch and reward yourself with a treat or refreshing break.

No Fear

Name one small risk you’ve avoided with a client—take the first step toward doing it today.

Name one uncertain freelance situation you’ve avoided—note what you can control and take one step toward it.

Send a short message to a potential client or peer—expect no reply and treat the act as a win itself.

Say out loud: “Failure is data, not identity”—repeat it whenever hesitation shows up in freelance work.

Say aloud: “Uncertainty means possibility”—repeat it whenever you feel tempted to freeze or delay.

Say aloud: “A no doesn’t define me”—repeat it before asking a client for help, feedback, or an opportunity.

Share one time you failed in freelancing and learned—remind yourself how it led to future growth.

Schedule ten minutes to explore a topic you don’t understand—lean into curiosity over avoidance.

Share your opinion in a freelancer forum—even if unpopular, post once with calmness and clarity.

Reframe a current freelance task as an experiment—success means learning, not perfection.

Choose to ask one curious question during your next client call—even if unsure of the answer.

Make a simple request you’ve been holding back—extra time, support, or visibility with a client.

Post a sticky note that reads: “What if I try—and learn?” Place it where hesitation shows up.

Identify a small, unclear freelance decision—make it quickly and treat it as a test, not a trap.

Write down the worst rejection you received from a client—note what happened next and how you grew.

Lower the stakes: pick one freelance task you’re avoiding and do it badly—on purpose—just to get it done.

Change your desktop background to a quote about exploring the unknown—keep discomfort visible.

Add a sticky note that says: “Rejection is redirection”—place it where hesitation often shows up.

MASTER Risk Hub