You do realise that you handle an unusually high amount of intellectual activity, yes? But of course, finding ways to do it better and with less pain is a good plan. This post seemed to be denigrating your powers, whereas from my point of view it's just... impressive.

Do you respond to colour? Colour-coding the list items and notebook jottings could help (you have to do it when you collate the jottings, of course, but that adds another check). Sorry I can't offer anything more useful: instead, have a *hug* :)