The stock market has always recovered from crashes.

But not every investor has.

This is the fundamental truth of investing. The market moves in cycles. It falls. It rises. It corrects. It recovers.

Over time, it always goes higher. The trend is upward.

Yet many investors don’t benefit from this. They exit at the wrong time. They sell when fear takes over. They never get back in.

Every major crash looks like the end. Every bear market feels permanent. Every correction creates panic.

But history shows a different story.

The market has survived wars, recessions, political crises, inflation, pandemics, and financial meltdowns. It has recovered from every single one.

Not once has a downturn been the final chapter. Not once has the market failed to move forward.

Yet, investors who panic during declines don’t always recover. Some never reinvest. Some wait too long. Some lose faith in the process.

A temporary decline becomes a permanent loss only if you exit and never return.

This is why patience matters. This is why discipline matters.

The biggest threat to your investment success isn’t the market. It’s you.  It’s your reaction to the market. 

Every crash plant the seeds for the next rally. Every bear market sets up the next bull run.

Selling during a downturn lock in losses. Staying invested allows for recovery. Investing more allows for strong future gains.

Missing just a few of the best days (which are often accompanied with the worst days) in the market can destroy long-term returns.

The biggest rebounds often happen when fear is at its peak. The best buying opportunities come when most people are afraid.

The market rewards those who stay the course. It punishes those who react emotionally.

Success in investing is not about avoiding downturns. It’s about enduring them.

The market will recover. It always has.

The question is, will you?