When things don’t go your way, don’t fret! Simply remember the Burnt Toast Theory.

Have you ever had a day where everything seems to go wrong? You wake up late, spill coffee on your shirt, and then find out you’re late for work. It’s easy to get caught up in the negative and let it ruin your whole day. But what if there was a way to turn things around?

That’s where the Burnt Toast Theory comes in. The Burnt Toast Theory is a philosophy that teaches us to focus on the good in our lives, even when things don’t go our way. It goes like this: If you wake up one day and your toast is burnt, you can either choose to focus on the burnt toast and have a bad day, or you can choose to focus on the fact that you still have toast and have a good day instead. The choice is yours.

Of course, it’s not always easy to focus on the positive when things go wrong. But if you can train yourself to do it, you’ll feel so much better. So next time something bad happens, remember the Burnt Toast Theory and focus on the good. It might just make your day a little bit brighter.

Here are five tips for practicing the Burnt Toast Theory:

1. When something bad happens, take a few deep breaths and try to calm down.

This is easier said than done but necessary. When something bad happens, freaking out won’t help you focus and make important decisions. Luckily, a few deep breaths can go a long way.

2. Remind yourself of all the good things in your life.

A bad morning doesn’t have to mean a bad day. Sometimes, even the littlest thing can ruin the moment, but that’s how life is sometimes. Instead of focusing on how the cookie was supposed to crumble, focus on the bigger picture. Remember the good things around you that are why you’re doing what you’re doing in the first place.

3. Focus on the silver lining in every situation.

Sometimes, a bad moment can stick around. For those lingering downsides, remember the silver lining. Maybe you’re having a tough week at work — maybe all your coworkers are, which doubles the pressure. Remember, you’re all in it for a paycheck, perhaps even a nice bonus at the end of the stressful year. You can also focus on the experiences you will be able to put on your resume after the stressful time is over.

4. Don’t dwell on the negative.

Dwelling on the negative can seriously ruin everyone’s mood. Remember not to be the bad guy or the Debbie downer, and think about how you can start solving the problem. For example, if you’re struggling with executive dysfunction, turn the situation into a team effort with someone who can help. There are ways to deal with the negative parts of every challenging situation.

5. Be grateful for what you have.

Unfortunately, a bad day can happen. Don’t let that turn your mindset and make you believe that you live a bad life. Remember what you’re grateful for and, even better, what you’re looking forward to. Those thoughts can stretch so much further than you think. Turn on some music, light a candle, open a book, and remember that your peace is not worth the negativity. 

If you burn your toast in the morning, the time you spend toasting another slice of bread may save you from a car accident. Maybe it makes you late to an event but allows you to meet someone special that you wouldn’t have met otherwise. So, the next time you face failure, trust the process. Everything happens for a reason — something even better is on the way.

The Burnt Toast Theory is a simple but powerful way to improve your outlook on life. If you can learn to focus on the good, you’ll be amazed at how much happier you’ll be. Comment below with a time when the burnt toast theory would’ve helped you out on a bad day.