How do you follow a daily schedule without becoming discouraged?

I have tried to follow a daily schedule and to-do list many times in the past, but never succeeded in sticking to it. It's discouraging to look at my schedule and know how much needs to be done, and to know that my entire day is planned ahead of time. Every time I try to follow a daily schedule I always end up avoiding it, because it's intimidating.

Have any fellow procrastinators succeeded in implementing a daily schedule in your life? Tips? Hand written schedule or software?