Conscientiousness

Conscientiousness is the Big Five trait measuring self-discipline, organisation and follow-through. It is the single best personality predictor of job performance across nearly all occupations studied.

High Conscientiousness predicts health behaviours, longevity and academic achievement. High scorers plan and finish tasks; low scorers improvise and adapt. The trait rises gradually through the 20s and 30s (the "maturity principle") and peaks around middle age.