There's discipline and habits, which are important.

Then there is motivation...

For me, the biggest improvement in motivation came from asking myself questions:

What do I really want to be working on and would enjoy working on?

Lucky for me, I already had experience when I was young writing software for myself and others which made it easier to do more things on the computer. I stayed up all day and all night, focused, motivated, and productive.

I was not motivated by money, deadlines, nor having to have a roof over my head and pay insurance, nor wanting to prove myself to anyone. I was just coding, and all I needed was some sweetened black tea in large quantities...

Another question I asked myself was, what does the world need right now, which would make it a better place, that no one else can provide except me?

This one is not as easy to answer, and the answer may not be the same today as it was yesterday. But if you keep asking yourself this question and pondering the answer, something will come of it.

Another question you may want to ask yourself and ponder on the answer:

What am I better at than anyone else in the world, and how can I help others using it?