How would you read this update? A man was denied boarding a flight that tragically crashed in São Paulo, killing 62 people. His story is an example of the burnt toast theory. “I argued with him; he saved my life,” the man reportedly said, reflecting on his confrontation with the airline staff that ultimately kept him off the doomed flight.
His story is not an isolated incident. Like him, many others have been saved by divine intervention. Ajay Dev Singh, a mid-level offline advertising professional, lived and worked in New Delhi in the late Noughties. One winter morning in 2009, he was handed a pink slip that left him distraught. In the evening, he bumped into digital marketing evangelist late Anurag Gupta. The morning began on a glum note, with clouds of despair shadowing his career, leaving him crestfallen. But by evening, his life had changed, and for good. He went for a career makeover, venturing into an unknown territory of digital marketing under Gupta’s tutelage at his firm in Mumbai. From there on, there was no looking back.
Singh’s case only elucidates the metaphorical concept of the ‘burnt-toast theory’ that suggests that even minor inconveniences, like burning your toast in the morning, can set off a chain of events that ultimately lead to a positive outcome. “Losing a job with no offer in sight was a huge setback. I stepped into a new career zone, unaware of what lay ahead. Looking back, I can only say that job loss was my burnt toast, leading me to a delectable treat. My career graph wouldn’t have seen this crest had I not met a trough,” he says.
Down but not out
These stories are powerful reminders that life’s detours are often the highways that lead to better destinations. Dr Radhika Sharma, a life coach and motivational speaker, beautifully explains how such experiences align with the burnt toast theory.
She said, “Sometimes, what feels like a setback is actually a redirection towards something better. Instead of getting frustrated by life’s little hiccups, we should embrace them, trusting that they may be part of a better plan.”
The idea of a larger plan can be reassuring, offering comfort in life’s unexpected challenges. Sharma suggests that people can transform disappointment into a growth opportunity by shifting the focus from the loss to the lesson. Adding to it, Singh says, “Every pushback is a pull that has the potential to lead to a better outcome.”
Psychologist and behavioural expert Ashima Dikshit outlines how some people see setbacks as opportunities while others view them as failures. The difference, Dikshit explains, often lies in one’s mindset. People with a growth mindset tend to view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, while those with a fixed mindset may see them as reflections of their inherent abilities or worth. While chance plays a role, how we perceive and respond to those changes is crucial. “The burnt-toast theory is about resilience and optimism—qualities that can be developed over time. By consciously looking for the silver lining in every situation, people can train their minds to see opportunities where others see obstacles,” says Dikshit, adding that past experiences, resilience levels, and emotional intelligence significantly affect how individuals perceive setbacks.
Gratitude all the way
Sharma suggests practising gratitude, even for setbacks, to turn minor inconveniences into opportunities for growth. “This might sound counterintuitive, but being thankful for challenges can shift your perspective and open your mind to unexpected opportunities. Another is to keep a setback journal to document how past disappointments have led to positive outcomes to reinforce the belief that every cloud has a silver lining. Lastly, I encourage people to take immediate, positive action after a setback—no matter how small—to start turning the situation around,” emphasises Sharma.
Dikshit explains how cognitive reframing might play a role in the burnt-toast theory. “Cognitive reframing is a powerful tool that involves changing our thoughts about a situation to alter its emotional impact. For example, instead of viewing a missed opportunity as a loss, one might reframe it as a chance to pursue something better. This shift in perspective can reduce negative emotions and increase motivation, helping individuals to see setbacks as setups for future success,” she adds.
Scientific evidence supports the idea that minor setbacks can lead to positive outcomes. Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a psychological phenomenon where individuals experience positive psychological change following adversity or trauma. Dikshit adds, “Studies have shown that facing and overcoming small challenges can build emotional resilience, making individuals better equipped to handle more significant adversities in the future. The concept of PTG suggests that people can emerge stronger and more capable after overcoming difficulties.”
So pause and consider the next time you burn your toast. Something good is waiting to happen around the corner. Let it unfold!
