Some ideas here that are great food for thought. I'm not that organized but I'm ok with my level of organization.
QuiltE - I use the tote ideas you've mentioned and find that the most effective tool for me.
I keep my "to-do/UFO" list beside my machine and look at it regularly - it helps to keep me on track when I get distracted although it's not entirely effective in preventing that "I just want to make this fun whatever now!". It is effective in motivating me to cross one thing off as I complete it and add something else . I think we all have never ending lists/ideas of things we want to do.