The strong why for me provided tenacity and perseverance no matter what. 

Also, so much of success is based on personal perseverance; don't get discouraged when you read comments on here that are negative.

I guess you could say all of them could be the best investment depending on many variables, market conditions and effort, starting capital, paths chosen within each investment vehicle, but if i had a gun to my head and had to choose, i would say that real GUTS and perseverance and belief in ones self would trump a college education any day.  

In your case I’m sorry but you can not circumvent dedication perseverance and the work required to achieve this .

Perseverance or grit

Through hard work and perseverance I was able to earn my bachelors degree without scholarships/grants and only cumulating about $15k in student loans.

However, I am quite confident that it was a GR8 amount of hard work and  perseverance, getting knocked down but getting back up and having a never quit attitude that has built what you have over time.  

I personally am a proponent of serving in the military; both for patriotism and to pay for your education. it will provide a strong base and work ethic fir your entire life showing you that you can persevere mkre than you would have ever known.

I persevere.

Basically, It Takes excellence and perseverance to get to the top.