My most productive days, the days I enjoy the most, and the ones that inspire me the most are the days where I have an extensive pre-written to-do list that encompasses every single to-do item from my head.  Through working through that list of non-urgent errands and important large projects, I accomplish a lot and feel good about doing it.

Then after a good day's work, I sit down and write a list to prepare for the next day of good work.

My daily plan is basically a brain dump.  I start with all the major projects I'm working on at the moment.  Then I write down all the things I have to do under those headings.  Just everything I can possibly think of regarding those items that are my responsibility.  Including following up with people to make sure they've done their jobs.

After I've dumped my brain, I work my way through.

At the end of the day, most of the tasks will still be there.  But for some projects that I have moved forward a lot, there will be a new set of items that need to be done.

And so the cycle continues.