Ask HN: What are the reasons behind your success as a self-taught programmer?

Considering that you started programming on your own as a self learner and have found success (whatever that means to you) as a programmer in life, what do you think were the reasons behind that?

Was it:

1. Formal CS or Math education alongside or later on?

2. Pure grit and consistency in completing stuff you started

3. Working in real projects at industry

4. Something else entirely