I've (almost) resigned myself to the fact that by the time I check stuff off the to-do list, it either needs to be done again, or three other things have been added.
Like, my dog, Penny's "collection" of things--garbage, scrap, junk, bones, feathers, balls, bits of blanket, articles of clothing, spread around all over the lawn. Cleaned up mid-november, again a week ago, and already needs to be done again.
I give up :)