If you find yourself making inconsistent decisions, even in familiar situations, or struggling to ... [+] filter out mental noise, your mind may be working in ways that benefit you more than you realize.gettyEver been in a situation where you make a decision, second-guess it, change your mind and later realize your initial instinct was right? Maybe you debated whether to take a job offer, hesitated before sending a risky text or changed your mind about a big purchase.At the moment, it felt like you were being indecisive, scattered or even irrational. Were often taught to view distractions, shifting opinions and uncertainty as weaknesses, but in reality, these so-called mistakes are part of how our brains navigate a world full of unknowns.Instead of striving for perfect consistency, embracing this mental variability can actually help us make better decisions, adapt to new challenges and uncover creative solutions we might have otherwise missed.The Science Of Cognitive NoiseHave you ever noticed how your thoughts sometimes feel scattered? You might feel like your brain is jumping between ideas, revisiting old decisions or getting distracted at the worst possible moments. This randomness, often dismissed as mental noise, may be a useful feature, rather than a glitch.This is called cognitive noise, and rather than being a problem, research suggests its a key part of how our brains function. A 2019 study published in PNAS found that our brains ever-changing internal state directly influences decision-making. This variability helps us stay flexible, adapt to new situations and even explains why some people tend to be more impulsive than others.In other words, the occasional mental chaos isnt just normalits useful. Our brains arent built to operate like flawless machines; they thrive on flexibility. This ability to shift gears, consider different possibilities and embrace uncertainty makes us better problem-solvers, more creative thinkers and ultimately, better decision-makers.When Mistakes Lead To Better DecisionsWe often assume that good decision-making requires absolute certainty, but in reality, we rarely have all the information we need. Thats where a little cognitive variability can be an advantage. In uncertain situations, randomness in our thought processes helps us adapt, explore different possibilities and arrive at better solutions.For example, in business, leaders often have to make decisions based on incomplete data. Cognitive variability enables decision-makers to pivot when needed, testing different mental approaches rather than sticking to a single, linear path. Similarly, in social situations, being open to changing your stance based on new information or emotional cues can lead to better interactions and relationships.Cognitive variability also plays a key role in creative problem-solving. Many groundbreaking discoveries and artistic innovations have emerged from what initially seemed like mistakes. Penicillin, the microwave oven and even Post-it Notes were all accidental discoveries that came from unexpected detours.These breakthroughs were possible because their inventors embraced variation in their thinking rather than dismissing errors outright. Artists and writers also benefit from allowing their minds to wanderwhat may seem like a distraction or a wrong turn in the creative process can often lead to a breakthrough idea.By embracing cognitive variability, we can turn mistakes into opportunities, making decisions that are not only more innovative but also better suited to the complexities of the real world.How To Use Cognitive Variability To Your AdvantageWhile mental noise can feel frustrating, harnessing it correctly can make it a powerful tool. Heres how:Reframe your mistakes. Instead of viewing inconsistency as a flaw, see it as a sign of adaptability. Your brain is constantly updating and recalibratingthis flexibility is a strength.Embrace productive distractions. Ever had a great idea in the shower? Thats the incubation effectwhen stepping away from a problem allows you to make unexpected connections and find solutions. Such intentional mental breaks can boost creativity, possibly reducing fatigue and helping refresh the brain, especially when they involve engaging in a completely different activity.Welcome diverse perspectives. If youre struggling with a decision, take a step back and return to it later. Seeing things from a fresh angle often leads to better choices and newer discoveries.Leverage intuition. Gut feelings arent just randomtheyre often the result of your brain subconsciously processing information. Learning when to trust your intuition can help in decision-making.However, there are times when you have to rein in mental noise. While cognitive variability is useful, too much can lead to damaging indecision or inefficiency. For instance, some situations call for a more structured, methodical approach, such as making medical decisions, planning financial investments or handling high-stakes tasks.If mental noise is overwhelming, techniques like mindfulness, structured decision-making frameworks or even simple checklists can help bring more focus.Remember, our brains are not designed to function like perfectly programmed machines, and thats a good thing. Mental mistakes are often a natural by-product of a flexible, adaptive mind. By embracing cognitive variability, we can improve our decision-making, spark creativity and navigate uncertainty with more confidence.Are your decisions driven by intuition or analysis? Take the Intuitive Decision Style Scale to see where you stand.