I use lists and schedules to keep a good routine, it especially helps me to eat regularly, and when I'm on a routine I don't feel as much need to numb myself with alcohol. Probably mostly because I have things to do that I wouldn't be able to if I were drunk or hungover.
If I just decide that "I'm gonna eat healthy this week!" but don't write it down (and make shopping lists!) I'm more likely to just say "screw it, I want cookies. I'll get healthy tomorrow".
It's as if when the rules are written down and on display, I take them much more seriously.