Daily Habit Tracking for Motivation Does It Actually Work

I have started using a simple habit tracker to make sure I am doing the small things like drinking enough water and getting my steps in. I find that checking a box gives me a little dopamine hit that helps keep me motivated. I am wondering if this is a sustainable way to avoid burnout.

I am using a basic app called HabitBull but I am thinking about getting a physical planner like the Panda Planner. Does anyone find that the act of physically crossing something off a list is more satisfying? I am trying to build more structure into my life to help with my gym consistency.

Does this work for everyone or does it eventually become another chore that adds to the stress? I am worried that I am focusing too much on the tracking and not enough on the actual activities. I would love to hear your experiences with habit tracking for fitness goals.