Just last week, as I sat down to work on my eBook, which I had just started a few days before, I was hit by a wave of frustration. The words on the screen seemed clumsy and ineffectual. And that was when I could get a word from my head to the keyboard. 

It was one of those situations that felt like a burnt piece of toast — ruined and disappointing. So, I decided to go and take a catnap (or a two-and-a-half-hour nap, as it turned out). Perhaps I was experiencing some writer’s block because I was overtired. Perhaps it was because the content was a bit hard to talk about, so to speak. Either way, I decided to change things up and walk away for a while. 

And what happened? After rising from my longer-than-expected nap, I felt refreshed, my mind clear. And the words started to flow. Because I had taken a break and awoken with a fresh perspective, I was back to my day, and at my best.

The Burnt Toast Theory: Is This Really a Thing?

A peculiar turn of events occurred just a couple of days after that situation. An email popped up from a publicist representing Psychologist Nadia Teymoorian from Moment of Clarity, that introduced me to the burnt toast theory that is making waves on TikTok. 

Now, it’s not like this general concept was new to me. I’m very much aware of theories around mind over matter. But, I had certainly never thought of this the way Nadia explained. A quick Google search of the burnt toast theory revealed its popularity and the more I looked into it, the more it resonated with me, especially when reflecting on my initial struggles as a freelance blogger and copywriter when I started my business just over a year ago.

The burnt toast theory suggests that minor setbacks, like the annoyance of burning your toast, could be veiling potential dangers, saving us from worse fates. As we explained to me in the email, the burnt toast theory is sending a wave of realization through society. And just sometimes we need to be reminded how every minute can change your fate. Sometimes you need to change things up; do something different, think about something else.

“This mindset will create more intentional and thoughtful actions and less agitation throughout the day. Once you decide you’re having a bad morning, the rest of your day has already been set in stone.” It’s similar to the “Stop and Smell the Roses” phrase, this theory gives people a chance to take a step back and breathe. Dr. Nadia says the psychological impact this can have on society can be very advantageous.

Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones

Remember, every burnt toast offers a lesson. It’s not just about the toast but about how we react to these setbacks. Here’s how you can apply this mindset to overcome the challenges of blogging:

• Pause and Reflect: Before diving back into rewriting or brainstorming, take a moment. Reflect on what went wrong and how you can improve. This pause can provide invaluable insights.
• Seek the Silver Lining: Each setback is an opportunity to learn. Instead of dwelling on a poorly written draft, consider what it teaches you about your writing style, preferences, or even your ideal workflow.
• Adjust Your Approach: If you’re facing writer’s block, change your scenery or your working method. Sometimes, a small change in routine can spark creativity.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Finished a paragraph that you’re proud of? Celebrate it! These small victories can significantly boost your morale.
• Stay Flexible: Not every day will be productive, and that’s okay. Be kind to yourself and understand that flexibility can lead to better creativity.
• Connect with Your Community: Sharing your experiences with fellow bloggers can provide support and new perspectives. If you’re not part of a networking group, now’s the time to find one. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey.

Reflecting on my early days, I realize how my mindset significantly influenced the trajectory of my day. The burnt toast theory doesn’t just apply to minor inconveniences; it’s a metaphor for life’s unpredictable challenges. It teaches us resilience, patience, and the importance of perspective.

The Impact of Positivity on Productivity and Health

Intrigued by the broader thinking that this burnt toast theory brings to light, I dove deeper into the relationship between mindset and productivity. My research led me to an article that discussed work by Jessica Pryce-Jones, author of Happiness at Work and CEO of iOpener. Her research surveyed over 3,000 respondents from 79 countries and revealed some remarkable figures: happy individuals are 180% more energized, 108% more engaged, 50% more motivated, and 50% more productive at work. This connection between positivity and productivity is pretty substantial and simply reiterates how mindset, motivation, concentration, and energy intertwine to enhance our output.

Further Google searches brought me to a recent article from Cook’s Pharmacy in Canada, highlighting the broader implications of a positive mindset on health. The statistics were right there in front of me; 87% of individuals with a positive outlook are more inclined to lead healthier lifestyles and make beneficial health decisions. Optimists show a 19% lower risk of early death compared to pessimists, and a positive outlook correlates with a 13% decrease in the likelihood of heart attacks.

If the Words Don’t Flow, Don’t Let it Ruin Your Day 

So, the burnt toast? The realization is about navigating life’s minor inconveniences, such as writer’s block or a tough chapter of an eBook that you might be writing; it’s about cultivating resilience, perseverance, patience, and a positive perspective that transcends beyond productivity, affecting our overall health and longevity. 

As I share this theory with you, especially those new to the blogging world, remember that every ‘burnt toast’ moment is a chance to pause, reflect, and pivot towards a more positive and productive path. It’s about seeing the cup as half full, embracing every moment as a step towards growth, and understanding that sometimes, a minor setback could indeed be saving you from something far worse.

Let’s carry this mindset forward, not just in blogging, but in every aspect of our lives. After all, the burnt toasts often lead to the most memorable meals (or blogs).