Discipline and focus are traits that are in very short supply in modern society. This is because there are so many alternative data streams, it is easy to lose focus and concentrate on what really needs to get done. But there are still proven ways to increase focus and discipline over time which have been around for a long time due to their effectiveness.#1 - MeditationMeditation has been proven to increase concentration and focus over time, according to a large number of studies. It also has a wide number of associated medical benefits, such as an alleviation of depression and the lowering of blood pressure. It is one of the most direct ways to increase focus and discipline. Meditation is a life long practice and not a quick fix, which is a stark contrast to many of the current shorts cuts that we can observe today. There are other direct forms of meditation which emphasize focusing on an object for long periods of time. In Tibetan spiritual systems, the practitioners were given yantras or symbols to concentrate on.#2 - Rest and RelaxationEverybody knows that rest and relaxation are essential. It is also proven that willpower is a fixed resource that is at its highest point in the morning and lowest point in the evening. But many people really fail to optimize their rest, which is also a way to optimize their discipline and focus. An example of this would be focusing on a good nights sleep - this could entail maintaining a clean room free of technology and clutter, diffusing some essential oil in the bedroom, and eating some sleep-inducing food a few hours before bed. It is also good to restore willpower during the day at frequent intervals and to learn to completely switch off from work at the weekends.#3 - Diet and ExerciseDiet and exercise are integral to how much focus and willpower that we have. When people eat a healthy and balanced diet with appropriate exercise, they will have more focus and willpower with regard to what they want to achieve. The biggest challenge in this regard is caffeine. It helps to get the work completed but is a bad move in the long-run which leads to a lesser quality of life. If you must have a coffee, the make sure it is high quality with little sugar and taken in the morning as opposed to the evening. Otherwise, it will disrupt sleep.