Adding everything to a to-do list isn't so bad, as long as you consider it a "rough list of ideas it might be a good idea to do, but need to be seriously prioritized" instead of a MUST do list.
After trying a lot of approaches, I found that the two lists approach is what works best. One list has the general overview of what I need to do, the second list is what I need to do right now.
List one is edited only when a change in schedule is required, or a new project is added. The second list is edited and revised daily.
More importantly, those two lists are done using pen and paper, which I found to be the best tool for the job.
I actually do maintain a list of lists and find it extremely useful-the software I use is www.checkvist.com , and I use it for short term to-do lists, long term goals, brainstorming, project planning and status updates, notes on books, notes on people, etc.
