I used to be a huge checklist person. I would make one up each day and I would get so excited to check one off when I completed an activity…and sometimes I would do low priority items for the sense of accomplishment that I got from this action.
Over the last few months, I have begun to throw out the checklist and I have begun taking my schedule over, scheduling time for my writing, recording audio and video programs, and project execution. This has allowed me to develop better tasks and processes and become more effective.
It also allows me to ensure with greater likelihood that I will be able to complete my high level tasks.
So I would suggest you consider switching over from a checklist or some other to-do list type thing and begin controlling your calendar by scheduling your activities in a manner that lets you dictate your actions.