IMO while you are VFR/VMC do what you want, use the written checklist or memorise the items or whatever you like (as long as it works).
but if you are doing procedural work i.e. ILS/NNB/Holds etc OR if you are/or are likely to become IMC use the checklist.
if you use it all the time you wont (hopefully) go wrong, people will remember the 1 time you got it wrong not the 1000 times you got it right.
regards
CF