Years (eons) ago, when learning to work with heavy machinery I was given this bit of advice, which I appy to many of the things I do.

Always do the same job the same way -- every time. Doing things the same way develops habits and like any kind of drilling, allows us to work without thinking, yet staying on track.

So, I'm a firm believer in ingrained habit and don't use checklists for anything I do on any kind of regular basis.

Often, on the way to the airport, Deb would ask me "are you sure you locked the front door?" Rather than turn I just say yes, and in fact I am sure. Why? because I'm just about incapable of leaving the house without locking the door, and not doing so requires active thought. Which is why I've so often locked Deb out if she's working in the yard when I leave.

So, my advice to anyone reading this is the same as I got all those years ago.

Develop habits and routines for mechanical work, and always do the same job the same way.