People who’ve worked through every kind of economy usually have these 9 unbeatable traits

We all know someone who seems to thrive no matter what the market looks like.

Whether it’s a recession, a boom, or something in between, they somehow remain calm and keep pushing forward.

I’ve always been intrigued by these folks—especially after experiencing several economic swings myself. After a ton of reflection (and a fair share of reading and research), I’ve identified nine traits that repeatedly show up in people who’ve weathered it all.

They might have launched businesses during recessions or pivoted careers when entire industries collapsed. Regardless, they come out with hard-earned wisdom and a self-assured demeanor you can’t fake.

Curious about what sets them apart? Let’s dive into the nine unbeatable traits they share.

1. They adapt quickly

If there’s one thing that’s certain about our economy, it’s that nothing stays the same for too long.

The people who’ve survived and even thrived through multiple economic ups and downs never cling stubbornly to old ways. They adapt.

Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates and author of Principles, often mentions that adaptation is crucial in a rapidly changing environment. These individuals notice shifting trends early, learn new skills if they have to, and are ready to pivot without too much drama.

I once watched a friend who ran a small photography studio quickly transition to digital marketing when he saw smartphone cameras eating into traditional photography demand.

Instead of lamenting the old days, he rolled with the times and carved out a niche for himself in a brand-new field.

Change can be uncomfortable, but for the people who stick around long-term, discomfort is a signal to evolve, not to panic.

2. They understand the long game

When markets tank or the cost of running a business skyrockets, it’s natural to want to bail out. But the veterans of multiple economic cycles don’t let short-term chaos knock them off course. They keep their eyes on the horizon.

As Warren Buffett famously said, “Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.”

That’s the epitome of long-term thinking. These folks look past tomorrow’s turbulence and ask themselves where they want to be five or ten years from now. Then they shape their decisions accordingly.

Having a bigger vision also helps them avoid making rash moves, like selling assets in a panic or completely abandoning an idea that just needs time and patience to grow.

3. They stay calm under pressure

Ever notice how some people seem to thrive in chaos while everyone else is losing their heads?

That calmness isn’t about denying reality; it’s about acknowledging the problem without letting it consume you.

In my old startup days, I faced a couple of serious cash-flow crunches. It felt like doomsday, but I noticed that the most seasoned entrepreneurs on my advisory board approached the problem with steady composure.

They broke everything down into manageable steps, found creative solutions, and led their teams with confidence.

Staying calm under pressure doesn’t mean you’re magically unaffected by stress; it means you’ve developed mental strategies—like focused breathing, mindfulness, or even structured problem-solving—to keep panic at bay.

And that calm is contagious, which can be a massive advantage when you’re leading a group of people who look to you for guidance.

4. They invest in relationships

People who’ve weathered every kind of economy usually know one truth: you can’t do it all alone.

Strong professional and personal networks aren’t just a “nice-to-have”; they’re essential.

Whether it’s seeking advice, pooling resources, or finding moral support, a reliable circle can save you in a downturn and help propel you forward in an upturn.

“As Simon Sinek has said, ‘When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute.’” I’ve seen that firsthand.

The relationships you build—whether with colleagues, partners, or even mentors—become your safety net when everyone else is jumping ship.

I’ve also watched these same connections spark countless new opportunities as the economy recovers.

Think about it: who are you more likely to do business with, the stranger you met online or the trusted partner who stuck with you when times were tough?

5. They keep learning

The economy shifts, and so do the required skills to thrive within it. People who survive and thrive through multiple financial storms make continuous learning a way of life.

They don’t just rely on old knowledge or outdated practices. Instead, they read new books, attend workshops, take online courses—whatever it takes to stay relevant.

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, wrote, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

These seasoned survivors have systems to keep acquiring knowledge, whether through scheduled reading time or consistent networking with experts in their field.

I’ve mentioned this before but it’s worth reiterating: In an ever-evolving world, any skill you don’t sharpen will eventually become dull.

Staying sharp isn’t just a career move—it’s a survival strategy.

6. They remain financially savvy

I learned the hard way that cash flow can be the difference between life and death for a business (and sometimes even in personal finance).

People who’ve ridden out several economic storms aren’t typically gamblers with their money. They prioritize building emergency funds, diversifying investments, and keeping their personal expenses in check.

They also pay close attention to what’s happening in the broader financial landscape—interest rates, inflation, and consumer trends—without letting the noise dictate every decision.

They run their finances like they run their businesses: tracking data, analyzing costs, and planning for contingencies.

When a crisis hits, they’re not scrambling for survival; they’re executing a well-prepared plan. That difference in approach often turns a potential disaster into a new opportunity.

7. They embrace responsibility

We all know people who point fingers at everyone else when things go wrong.

That’s not how true economic survivors operate. They understand that blaming external forces only goes so far. Sooner or later, you have to look in the mirror and ask what you can do differently.

Jordan Peterson once said, “I think that the best way to fix the world—a handyman’s dream if ever there was one—is to fix yourself.”

Even if circumstances are unfair, these folks focus on what’s within their power to change. They ask, “What can I do now?” instead of “Why me?”

It’s this sense of ownership that leads them to find solutions more quickly. If you believe you have at least some agency in your situation, you’re more likely to take the constructive action needed to improve it.

8. They find opportunities in chaos

When the economy spirals, many people panic. But those who’ve been around the block a few times know that chaos can also reveal new opportunities—sometimes ones nobody else sees yet.

I once consulted for a small e-commerce company that started selling home fitness gear during a time when everyone was stuck indoors.

Traditional gyms were failing left and right, but because this brand recognized the shift in how people were working out, they capitalized on it and grew faster than ever before.

Tim Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Workweek, famously advised, “Focus on being productive instead of busy.”

People who see opportunities in chaos don’t waste time lamenting the disruption; they redirect their energy toward finding openings in the cracks left by the turmoil.

9. They stay humble

It’s easy to become smug when you come out on top after a bad economic season.

But the most resilient folks I know remain humble. They understand that markets are cyclical and no one is invincible.

Humility also keeps them open to new perspectives and advice. Instead of thinking they already know everything, they continuously refine their strategies and listen to feedback.

This mindset is especially important in the digital age, where technology and consumer behavior can shift overnight.

People who stay humble navigate challenges better because they’re less blinded by ego and more focused on seeking the best solutions, wherever they might come from.

And to round things off (though it’s no small matter)…

People who’ve worked through every kind of economy aren’t magical unicorns with all the answers.

They’ve just honed specific traits over time—traits that anyone can cultivate with the right mindset and consistent practice.

If you’re striving to stay afloat (or even get ahead) in unpredictable times, focus on building these skills: adapt quickly, plan for the long term, keep calm, invest in relationships, keep learning, manage your finances wisely, own your actions, look for hidden opportunities, and stay humble enough to learn from mistakes.

There’s no foolproof formula for economic survival. But these traits give you a sturdy foundation when things get shaky—and you never know when they’ll come in handy.

Until next time, friends.