The problem with only using a todo list is that you mainly prioritize tasks instead of projects. I use a todo list app (ticktick) in combination with a word doc that contains all my major projects. I sort the major projects by importance and time sensitivity. That helps me stay focused on the big picture. From there, I sort my todo list based on importance and time sensitivity.
Now i can give each thing i think of a priority and a deadline.
I sort my todos by priority and make sure i get the important things done, before anything else.
I start the day, by choosing which todos i want to get done today and then i work my way through the list in no particular order.