Someone else mentioned ADD, which I have - Having a "today" list has definitely helped me, however the other issue is staying on task, both in writing/prioritizing the list itself, and then following it to the letter. Unfortunately, feeling like the list is taking over one's life happens much more often (and sooner in the process) for ADD sufferers. I am trying out the idea of "Positive Procrastination"; the things that you really want to do, you put off in favor of the things you need to do. It's really just a re-frame of the 80-20 rule. Hope it works. I'll probably still employ the "30 minutes on, 10 minutes off" technique on top of it.