MASTER Risk Model - Learning Resources - Mindset

Intrinsic Motivation

Write down one task today and add “because this matters to my vision” to reconnect with purpose.

Choose one project and link it to your values—why does it matter to you beyond scaling fast?

Block ten minutes to work on something energizing—no outcome needed, just reconnect with flow.

Start your day by asking: “What would make today meaningful for me and my venture?”

Keep a “why I do this” sticky visible—anchor your actions to your vision as founder.

Say no to one draining task today—free space for what aligns with your founder purpose.

Extrinsic Motivation

List one reward or recognition that drives you—remind yourself of it before tackling a hard founder task.

Share a recent achievement with your co-founder—notice how acknowledgment boosts your drive.

Create a simple reward system for a task you’re avoiding—tie it to a founder-friendly treat.

Add a progress tracker for a big goal—watching progress builds founder commitment and drive.

Identify one area where accountability could help—share your current goal with your team.

Pick one task to finish before lunch—reward yourself with a treat or energizing break.

No Fear

Name one risk you’ve avoided in your start-up—take the first small step toward acting on it today.

Name one uncertain decision you’ve delayed—note what you can control and take one founder step toward it.

Message someone with a compliment or idea—expect no reply and treat the act as a win itself.

Say aloud: “Failure is data, not identity”—repeat it before every pitch or bold founder step.

Say aloud: “Uncertainty means possibility”—repeat it whenever you’re tempted to freeze on strategy.

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

Share one failure from your founder journey—remind yourself how it led to growth.

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

Share your opinion in a group setting—even if unpopular, speak once with calmness and clarity.

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

Ask one curious question in your next investor or mentor meeting—embrace not knowing.

Make a simple request you’ve been holding back—time, help, permission, or needed visibility.

Post a sticky note: “What if I try—and learn?” Place it where you often hesitate.

Identify one unclear decision—make it quickly and treat it as a safe founder test.

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

Lower the stakes: do one avoided task badly on purpose—just to get it done.

Change your desktop background to a quote about venturing into the unknown.

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

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