Why Thinking Feels Messy—and Should

Anyone who’s ever tried to solve a complex problem, brainstorm ideas, or make a decision knows that thinking isn’t always neat and tidy. Sometimes, it’s a tangled web of thoughts that feel chaotic and disjointed. Yet, despite this messiness, creative breakthroughs and innovative solutions often emerge from these very moments of mental clutter.

But why does thinking feel so messy, and why is it a necessary part of the cognitive process? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind messy thinking, how it contributes to creativity, and why embracing mental chaos can actually help you think better, make smarter decisions, and produce more original ideas.

Understanding the Messiness of Thinking

At its core, thinking involves the complex interaction of various cognitive processes—memory, attention, reasoning, and emotion—working together in unpredictable ways. These processes don’t always follow a linear, logical path. Instead, they bounce back and forth, leading to what can feel like a mess.

Cognitive Scientists’ Take on Messy Thinking

Cognitive scientists have long understood that the brain doesn’t function like a computer, processing one task at a time in a linear fashion. Instead, human cognition is messy by nature. Thoughts are influenced by numerous factors, including emotions, previous experiences, and external stimuli, making it hard to pinpoint exactly how our minds work in any given moment.

• Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Flexibility: One major reason thinking feels messy is the brain’s neuroplasticity—its ability to reorganize itself and form new connections in response to learning and experiences. This constant reconfiguration is essential for growth, but it also means that your brain is always in flux, constantly reshuffling existing knowledge to incorporate new inputs. The result? Messy thinking.
• The Role of the Default Mode Network (DMN): Studies show that the brain’s default mode network (DMN)—the brain region active when you’re not focusing on specific tasks—plays a big role in the messiness of thinking. This network is associated with mind-wandering, daydreaming, and self-reflection. The DMN allows the brain to make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, facilitating creativity, but it’s also what makes thinking feel chaotic at times.

Why Messy Thinking Is Essential for Creativity

While messy thinking can feel frustrating, it’s a crucial component of the creative process. Many of the most innovative ideas emerge not from structured, linear thinking, but from moments of mental disarray. When you allow your mind to wander and explore different ideas freely, you’re often making connections that wouldn’t otherwise happen in a more rigid thought process.

Here’s why messy thinking is so beneficial for creativity:

1. Breaking Mental Blocks and Biases

When we try to think too rigidly or stick to familiar patterns, we can fall into cognitive biases—mental shortcuts that simplify decision-making but can limit creativity. Messy thinking, on the other hand, helps break these biases by encouraging the brain to explore new paths and alternatives. It allows you to step outside of your usual thought patterns, leading to more original ideas.

• Example: Think of a time when you were stuck on a problem and decided to take a break, only to return with a fresh perspective. This is your brain’s way of letting go of rigid thinking and making space for new ideas.

2. Making Connections Between Unrelated Concepts

One of the most exciting things about messy thinking is its ability to foster associative thinking—the ability to make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. When the brain is free to wander and explore, it draws on a wider range of experiences and memories, leading to novel insights and breakthroughs.

• Example: Many innovations, such as the invention of the Post-it Note, came about when people made connections between unrelated ideas. In this case, a failed adhesive experiment led to the creation of a useful product. The messiness of that thinking process enabled the innovation.

3. Enhanced Problem-Solving Abilities

Messy thinking is closely linked to cognitive flexibility, a key skill for problem-solving. When you approach a problem from multiple angles—without a rigid, structured mindset—you’re more likely to find creative solutions. This approach is especially useful in fields that require innovation, such as design, technology, and marketing.

• Example: Designers often use divergent thinking—a type of messy thinking that encourages brainstorming and idea generation without immediate judgment. This opens up a wide array of possibilities that would be missed in a more constrained problem-solving process.

Embracing the Mess: How to Harness the Power of Messy Thinking

While messy thinking can feel overwhelming at times, learning how to embrace it can significantly enhance your creativity and decision-making. Here are a few strategies for making the most of this messy process:

1. Allow for Downtime and Mental Wandering

To harness the power of messy thinking, it’s important to give your brain the freedom to wander. Whether it’s through daydreaming, taking a walk, or engaging in a hobby, allowing your mind to roam can help you make those unexpected connections.

• Actionable Tip: Schedule regular breaks throughout your day, and use that time to step away from structured tasks. Engage in activities that allow your mind to relax and wander, such as journaling, sketching, or even taking a nap.

2. Challenge Your Assumptions and Break Patterns

Sometimes the messiness of thinking comes from being too comfortable with what we know. To really get the creative juices flowing, challenge your assumptions and explore new ways of thinking. This might involve questioning long-held beliefs, trying new methods, or stepping outside your comfort zone.

• Actionable Tip: When faced with a problem, consciously step back and ask, “What if the opposite of what I believe is true?” This forces your brain to explore alternative possibilities and consider new perspectives.

3. Create a Safe Space for “Bad” Ideas

Not all messy thoughts will turn into brilliant ideas, and that’s okay. Sometimes, the messiest thinking leads to dead ends. But this is an essential part of the process. Creating an environment where you feel free to express and explore even the “bad” ideas helps you avoid self-censorship and can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

• Actionable Tip: Keep a dedicated space for brainstorming, whether it’s a digital note, a whiteboard, or a notebook. Allow yourself to jot down anything, no matter how chaotic or disconnected it may seem. Over time, patterns may emerge.

4. Engage in Collaborative Thinking

Collaborating with others is a great way to embrace the messiness of thinking. Different people bring different perspectives, and the combination of ideas can lead to innovative solutions. When minds come together, messy thinking becomes more productive, as each person builds upon the others’ ideas.

• Actionable Tip: Engage in regular brainstorming sessions with colleagues or friends, especially those who approach problems from different angles. Encourage free-flowing conversation where all ideas are welcome, no matter how unconventional.

The Science of Embracing Mental Chaos

Several cognitive science studies show that mental chaos and disorder are key ingredients for creativity. According to Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, a leading researcher on creativity, “Creativity is about being open to new possibilities, and the more flexible you are with your thinking, the more creative you can be.” Embracing mental messiness allows us to become more adaptable, open-minded, and ultimately more creative.

Neuroplasticity, as mentioned earlier, also plays a key role in this process. By allowing our minds to move away from structured thinking and engage in more chaotic or unstructured thought processes, we enable our brains to form new neural connections, which leads to more creative problem-solving.

Final Thoughts

In a world that often values order, structure, and efficiency, messy thinking is a refreshing reminder that creativity thrives in chaos. It’s in the mess—where ideas are tangled, fragmented, and unrefined—that true innovation occurs. By embracing the messiness of thinking and allowing your mind to roam freely, you unlock new pathways to creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making.

So next time you feel like your thoughts are all over the place, remember: that’s where the magic happens. Embrace the mess, and let it lead you to your next big idea.

Reference

1. Inspired by Distraction: Mind Wandering Facilitates Creative Incubation — https://en.wikipedia.org
2. Wikipedia: Incubation (psychology) — https://en.wikipedia.org
3. Mapping Creativity: Role of the DMN — https://medicine.utah.edu