One trait on her side is extreme independence. She does NOT want me monitoring her homework completion, project planning, etc. To avoid that, I have seen her trying to get them done so that I am not checking on her. So that may hasten the process.

I agree, some of their other traits might motivate them to self-direct more. My DD is kind of a space-cadet, like the whole family. But she is also driven, competitive, and socially aware (people/teacher-pleaser). I think wanting to *shine* has helped her develop some of her EF that isn't natural to her.
I wish my son wanted to *shine* but he is not motivated by that.