People who never went to college but are highly successful usually practice these habits

I’ve seen this play out countless times—in my own entrepreneurial journey, through my friends who chose to skip traditional education, and in the stories of well-known figures who made it big without a degree. We often assume that skipping the classroom means missing a key to success, but real life consistently proves otherwise.

Yes, a college diploma can open doors, but it’s not the only way to thrive. In fact, many self-made millionaires and influential leaders found different roads to achievement by embracing specific habits that fuel their personal and professional growth.

Ready to find out what these habits are and see how they might apply to your own journey? Let’s jump in.

1. They rely on self-education

It might sound obvious, but one thing that sets non-degree achievers apart is their eagerness to learn beyond the walls of a lecture hall. They don’t passively wait for knowledge to land on their lap. Instead, they actively seek out information through books, online courses, seminars, and mentorships.

I’ve seen this principle firsthand. When I left the corporate world to start my own ventures, there was no formal blueprint showing me what to do next. I had to learn on the fly—devouring business books and scouring the internet for how-tos. That hunger for knowledge kept me moving, even when I had no professor to guide me.

This is backed by experts like Cal Newport, who has noted in his research that deep work—focusing intensely on challenging tasks—yields remarkable progress.

The most successful self-taught individuals intentionally build these blocks of focused study time into their days. They treat learning like it’s a job requirement, constantly leveling up their skill set, whether it’s coding, copywriting, or analyzing business trends.

If you’re feeling a little behind, ask yourself: where can you find the resources you need? Do you need to master a specific software? Could you benefit from a structured online course? Don’t let the absence of a formal program hold you back. In today’s connected world, the classroom is everywhere.

2. They keep a fierce sense of curiosity

Let’s face it: genuine curiosity is what propels us forward. People who skip formal education but still achieve big things are natural question-askers. They won’t settle for “That’s just how it’s done.” Instead, they dig into why something works—or doesn’t—and figure out how to do it better.

Brené Brown once said, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.” If you think about it, curiosity is closely tied to vulnerability. You have to be willing to say, “I don’t know the answer, but let me find out.” That can feel uncomfortable, but it’s also a springboard for growth.

Take any successful startup founder who never finished college; they often identify gaps in the market that others overlook. They ask why something hasn’t been invented yet. They wonder if there’s a less clunky way to serve customers.

Then they turn that curiosity into a product or service. The result? A thriving business that’s built on questioning the status quo.

Could you sharpen your curiosity? Whether you’re tinkering with a new app or analyzing ways to boost sales at your brick-and-mortar store, keep asking questions. Curiosity keeps you on your toes, which is exactly where you need to be when you don’t have the safety net of a diploma.

3. They leverage technology

Here at Small Biz Technology, we can’t help but notice how crucial digital tools have become for anyone looking to get ahead—especially those who didn’t follow a traditional academic path. The most successful people in this group often use technology not just for convenience, but as a strategic weapon in their arsenal.

I’ve mentioned this in a previous post, but it’s worth repeating: If you ignore technology, you risk being overshadowed by those who embrace it.

Whether we’re talking about automating administrative tasks, tapping into social media for branding, or using data analytics to guide business decisions, it’s all about optimizing your efforts.

Tim Ferriss, who famously experimented with different “lifestyle” designs in The 4-Hour Workweek, advocates for the power of automation. He focuses on using tools that free up time so you can spend more energy on high-level strategies.

If you know how to harness these digital resources, the lack of a diploma becomes far less relevant in a world that values innovation and results.

4. They build strong networks

People who forego college often need to create their own support circles. Without a campus or alumni group to lean on, they actively forge relationships with others who share their goals. In the business world, no skill or piece of paper can replace the value of authentic connections.

I vividly remember the first time I attended a major tech conference and realized I was surrounded by people who held fancy degrees from top schools. I had a moment of intimidation, but I quickly found that my willingness to connect, share ideas, and ask honest questions leveled the playing field.

By the end of that event, I’d made friends, found potential collaborators, and set the stage for future partnerships.

As Ray Dalio has noted, “Meaningful work and meaningful relationships are what life is all about.” Strong networks don’t just get you jobs or clients—they offer ongoing guidance.

Whether it’s a late-night brainstorming call with a fellow entrepreneur or a casual meet-up with a potential mentor, relationships open doors that a piece of paper with a seal can’t.

So how do you do it? Start by reaching out—online, in person, any way you can. Offer help before asking for anything in return. Show genuine interest in what others are doing. It’s a formula that consistently works, degree or not.

5. They are relentlessly disciplined

Let’s talk discipline. Warren Buffett once quipped, “Chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.”

If you’ve ever tried to break a bad habit, you know exactly what he means. But here’s the thing: successful people who never went to college are typically masters at shaping those chains in their favor.

That means waking up early (or at least at a consistent time), staying organized, following through on commitments, and ignoring distractions when it’s time to get real work done.

Without the structured schedule of classes, they have to create their own daily or weekly routines. In my experience, it’s the only way to stay on track amid the chaos of entrepreneurship.

There was a period when I found myself juggling multiple ventures, a new YouTube channel, and co-developing online courses. With no professor to check in on me, I had to develop disciplined routines—planning my days in time blocks, setting firm deadlines, and keeping a watchful eye on my energy levels.

It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but discipline turned out to be my best friend.

6. They embrace failure—and learn from it

I’m a big fan of that classic Winston Churchill quote, “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” It perfectly describes how those without degrees often handle setbacks. When you’re self-made, every stumble is a lesson, and you either pick yourself up fast or you get left behind.

We all know J.K. Rowling’s story: living on welfare, facing multiple rejections from publishers, and eventually becoming a global success. While she did go to university, her struggle reminds me of how much determination matters.

It’s a universal principle. The willingness to confront mistakes head-on and pivot quickly often makes the difference between giving up and building something remarkable.

This approach is backed by psychologists who study resilience. Studies have found that people who see failure as a temporary obstacle tend to bounce back faster.

And bouncing back faster often leads to bigger breakthroughs. If you want to follow in the footsteps of the self-made crowd, don’t shy away from experimenting—and yes, sometimes failing—until you nail it.

7. They nurture a growth mindset

We hear a lot about the growth mindset these days, but it’s not just a buzzword. Carol Dweck, the Stanford psychologist who popularized the term, showed that people who believe they can develop their skills tend to outperform those who think abilities are fixed at birth.

This mindset is especially crucial for anyone who skipped the college path. Without formal recognition of competence, it’s up to you to trust your capacity to learn and adapt.

And that’s exactly what so many self-made innovators do—they see every new venture as a chance to stretch beyond their comfort zone.

I used to think that certain fields were off-limits to me because I didn’t have specialized training. But time and time again, I saw peers who just dove in, taught themselves what they needed, and became experts without the benefit of a fancy diploma. They simply believed they could do it, and then they did.

8. They maintain a clear sense of purpose

Finally, one habit I’ve noticed among people who succeed without traditional credentials is an unwavering sense of purpose. They typically know why they’re doing what they do. Whether it’s to solve a specific problem, uplift a community, or build a lasting legacy, their purpose fuels their persistence.

This kind of clarity is priceless. It keeps you anchored when doubt creeps in, when funds run low, or when everyone questions your choices.

Viktor Frankl, who wrote Man’s Search for Meaning, famously said, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how.’” Having that sense of purpose provides the resilience to keep pushing forward, even when the path looks rough.

If you’re unsure about your own purpose, consider taking some time to reflect. What excites you enough to overcome sleepless nights and endless challenges? When you have that north star, you’ll realize that success is more about clarity and consistency than about a framed degree on your wall.

Final words

People who never went to college but are highly successful usually share these core habits: they remain fiercely curious, actively self-educate, leverage technology, build robust networks, nurture discipline, learn from failures, embrace a growth mindset, and chase a clear purpose.

They’ve proven that success isn’t about the path you take; it’s about how committed you are to continuous development. Here at Small Biz Technology, we see examples of this self-starter spirit every day, especially in the ever-evolving digital world. The real question is, how can you apply these habits to your own life?

Whether you skipped college or graduated with top honors, the principles remain the same. When you cultivate these habits, you aren’t just leveling up your career—you’re also building a life that reflects your true potential.

And that, if you ask me, is the ultimate mark of success.