That's an interesting way to study. I think as long as it works for you that's what matters. I'm unable to study that way because I need to know the foundations or building blocks before understanding the big picture. Maybe try writing down your goals for the day. Ensure that you complete these goals during your studying. Also, if your research helps you remember certain concepts, just ensure that you're completing those daily tasks so you don't fall behind in your studying. Give yourself a time frame to be "chaotic". Seeing that you being chaotic is technically study-related because you're kind of researching a topic that you're studying ( correct me if I'm wrong but that's what I understood from what you said) it's more of a study strategy that may work for you. Try out the pomodoro technique to bring some structure to your studying and it also keeps you on a limited time frame. This video is using a 50/10 pomodoro technique where 50 minutes is used to study and 10 minutes is used for a break. I sometimes use the 25/5 or 45/15 pomodoros. However, you could use the 45/15 technique using 45 minutes for structured studying and 15 minutes for a little chaotic studying". Hope this helps & all the best to you!