The Economy. How to Succeed Despite What It's Doing
Think the economy is holding you back? Think again. Discover how to succeed no matter what the market is doing!
“The economy is terrible right now. I’ll just wait for things to get better.” Sound familiar?
Look, I get it. Inflation is rising, job markets are unpredictable, and the news makes it sound like financial doom is inevitable.
But let’s be real. When has the economy ever been perfect? There’s always something going on. If you’re waiting for a “good economy” to chase your goals, you might be waiting forever.
Yes, economic instability can make things harder, but it doesn’t make success impossible. Plenty of people have built careers, businesses, and wealth during recessions.
You know what they didn’t do? Sit around blaming the economy while scrolling through job listings they never applied for.
The truth is, external circumstances don’t determine success - your mindset, adaptability, and willingness to take action do.
The economy might shift, but opportunities always exist. The question is: are you looking for them, or are you using the economy as an excuse?
In this post, we’ll break down why economic fear holds people back, debunk common excuses, and show you how to take control.
Plus, we’ll dive into inspiring stories of people who succeeded despite financial downturns. Because if they can do it, so can you.
Success isn’t about waiting for perfect conditions; it’s about making progress in any conditions. So let’s stop blaming the economy and start finding solutions. Ready? Let’s go.
Economic Instability Can Affect Your Mindset
When the economy takes a hit, so does people’s confidence. It’s like everyone collectively decides, “Welp, guess I’ll just struggle until further notice.”
But you know what? Economic instability isn’t just about money. It’s about how people think about money.
When headlines scream recession, layoffs, and inflation, fear takes over. And when fear takes over, people stop taking action.
Fear Creates Paralysis
When the economy feels shaky, most people panic and do... nothing.
They stop applying for jobs. Or they hesitate to start businesses. They avoid taking risks because “now isn’t the right time.”
But waiting for “the right time” is like waiting for your phone to charge itself - it's not happening.
History proves that opportunities exist even in bad economies. The problem isn’t the market - it’s people convincing themselves that success isn’t possible.
The “I’ll Wait for Things to Get Better” Lie
Let me ask you this - what exactly are you waiting for? A perfect job market? A guaranteed investment? A magic lottery win?
Economic conditions are always changing. If you refuse to take action until everything is “stable,” you’ll be standing still forever.
Success comes from adjusting, not avoiding. The people who thrive during downturns are the ones who adapt, not the ones who sit on the sidelines waiting for stability.
The Scarcity Mindset vs. The Opportunity Mindset
Some people see economic instability and think, “There’s not enough money or jobs to go around.” Others see it and think, “This is a chance to get ahead while everyone else panics.”
Which mindset do you think leads to success?
The truth is, money doesn’t disappear - it just moves. Industries shift. Demand changes. But there’s always opportunity for those who are looking for it.
The economy isn’t what’s stopping people from succeeding - it’s fear, hesitation, and a lack of adaptability.
If you want to win, you need to shift your mindset. Because the only thing worse than a bad economy is sitting around waiting for it to save you.
Common Excuses People Use About the Economy
When the economy gets shaky, the excuses start rolling in. Suddenly, every dream, goal, and plan is put on hold because "now's just not a good time." But let’s be honest - when has there ever been a perfect time?
"It’s impossible to start a business right now."
Oh really? Tell that to the dozens of businesses that started during recessions and are now worth billions.
Airbnb launched in 2008, right in the middle of a financial crisis. Uber? Same thing. They didn’t wait for the market to be ideal. They solved a problem, and people paid for it.
The truth? There’s never a perfect time to start a business. The key is to find what people need right now and offer a solution. Recessions shift demand. Smart entrepreneurs shift with it.
"No one is hiring in this economy."
Yes, layoffs happen. But guess what? Hiring still happens too. Even during economic downturns, companies need employees.
They might be hiring differently, but they are hiring. The problem is that most people don’t adapt. They keep applying the same way, for the same jobs, and get the same results.
If you’re struggling to get hired, ask yourself: Are you learning new skills? Expanding your network? Applying strategically? Or are you just hitting “Submit Resume” 50 times a day and hoping for the best?
"I can’t afford to invest in myself."
Translation: "I’m scared to spend money because I don’t trust myself to make it back."
Harsh? Maybe. But true. Smart investments - whether in education, networking, or skill-building - pay off long-term.
Yet, in tough times, people clutch their wallets so tightly that they block their own growth.
If money is tight, find low-cost ways to invest in yourself. Read books. Take free courses. Learn new skills on YouTube. Growth doesn’t require thousands of dollars. It requires effort.
These excuses sound reasonable, but they’re just fear in disguise. The economy isn’t stopping you from succeeding - your belief that it’s stopping you is.
If you’re waiting for conditions to be perfect, you’ll be waiting forever. Success happens when you stop making excuses and start finding solutions.
The Hidden Cost of Blaming the Economy
Blaming the economy might feel justified, but it comes with a price. The more you convince yourself that external factors control your success, the more power you give them.
Trust me, the economy isn’t losing sleep over your career, your business, or your bank account. But you should be.
Missed Opportunities
While some people freeze during economic uncertainty, others see opportunity. They look for gaps in the market, find new ways to offer value, and take action when everyone else is hesitating.
The people who succeed aren’t the ones waiting for better conditions - they’re the ones creating them.
Some of the biggest brands today were built in tough economic times. Airbnb, WhatsApp, and Venmo all launched during the 2008 recession.
They saw problems, provided solutions, and grew while the rest of the world was panicking. The lesson? Opportunities don’t disappear in a bad economy - they just shift. Your job is to shift with them.
Stagnation vs. Adaptation
The real difference between those who succeed and those who don’t isn’t what’s happening in the economy -it’s how they respond to it.
Some people hit pause when times get tough. They stop applying for jobs, stop pursuing business ideas, and stop investing in themselves. They tell themselves they’re "being cautious," but in reality, they’re just standing still.
Meanwhile, others adapt. They learn new skills, explore different income streams, and find creative ways to move forward.
They adjust instead of retreating. And guess what? Those are the people who thrive when things stabilize because they never stopped growing.
The Pain of "Waiting"
Blaming the economy for your lack of success might feel safe, but it comes with long-term consequences.
Every day you wait for things to "get better" is another day you’re not making progress. And that waiting game? It drains your confidence.
You start believing you have no control over your future. That success is out of reach. That you’re just a victim of circumstances. And the longer you hold onto that belief, the harder it becomes to break free from it.
Success Never Waits & Neither Should You
Yes, the economy matters. But it’s not the deciding factor in your success. Your mindset, adaptability, and willingness to act matter way more.
Those who succeed in tough times aren’t the ones who waited for the storm to pass. They’re the ones who learned to dance in the rain.
The real cost of blaming the economy? Lost time, lost confidence, and lost opportunity. Don’t let it cost you your future, too.
Actionable Steps to Succeed No Matter the Economy
Waiting for a perfect economy is like waiting for a treadmill to take you somewhere. Success isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about finding ways to move forward despite them.
Here’s how to take control, no matter what the economy is doing.
Step 1: Control What You Can
You might not control inflation, job markets, or interest rates, but you do control your mindset, skills, and effort. Focus on what’s within your power.
Learn a new skill that makes you more valuable.
Network with people who can open doors.
Optimize your finances so you’re prepared for uncertainty.
Instead of complaining about what you can’t control, double down on what you can.
Step 2: Adapt and Pivot
The economy changes. Industries shift. Businesses evolve. The people who succeed are the ones who adjust instead of resisting.
If your industry is struggling, look for ways to pivot into a growing field.
When traditional jobs are scarce, explore freelance, contract, or remote work.
If your business is slowing down, consider alternative revenue streams or new target markets.
The key to surviving economic uncertainty? Staying flexible! Rigidity breaks in a storm, but adaptability bends and survives.
Step 3: Find Recession-Proof Opportunities
Some industries thrive regardless of economic conditions. Think about essentials - healthcare, education, cybersecurity, and anything related to cost-saving or efficiency.
If you’re job-hunting or considering a career move, ask yourself:
Is this industry stable in tough times?
Does this field offer remote or freelance opportunities?
Can I learn skills that make me indispensable?
The economy doesn’t stop moving, and neither should you.
Step 4: Invest in Yourself Wisely
During financial uncertainty, people either cut back on everything or invest wisely. Guess which group ends up ahead?
Investing in yourself doesn’t mean throwing money around recklessly. It means betting on your own growth in ways that actually pay off.
Take courses that make you more competitive.
Read books that expand your thinking.
Join communities that connect you with opportunities.
Even when money is tight, investing in the right things can set you up for long-term success.
Step 5: Take Calculated Risks
Fear makes people freeze, but smart risk-takers move forward when others hesitate. This doesn’t mean making reckless decisions. It means making informed ones.
If you want to start a business, start lean and test ideas before going all in.
Want to invest? Research industries that perform well in downturns.
If you want to switch careers, gain experience before making the jump.
The biggest risk? Doing nothing.
Step 6: Take Action Today
Success isn’t about waiting; it’s about starting. Even small steps compound over time.
What can you do today to move forward? Apply for that job. Sign up for that class. Send that email. One action leads to another, and before you know it, you’ve built momentum.
The economy is unpredictable, but your actions don’t have to be. Take control, adapt, and prove that success isn’t about conditions. It’s about decisions.
Inspiring Examples of Success Despite Economic Challenges
A bad economy isn’t the end of success. It’s just a test of who’s willing to adapt, hustle, and think differently. Plenty of people and businesses have thrived in tough financial times. If they did it, so can you.
Airbnb: Built in a Recession, Now Worth Billions
In 2008, during the global financial crisis, three broke guys in San Francisco couldn’t afford their rent.
Instead of giving up, they turned their apartment into a makeshift hotel, renting out air mattresses to travelers. That idea became Airbnb.
People thought it was a terrible time to start a business. Who would travel during a recession? Turns out, plenty of people were looking for cheaper alternatives to hotels.
Lesson: When the economy shifts, consumer needs shift too. The key to success? Solve the problems that people actually have.
Netflix: Thrived While Others Failed
During the 2008 recession, many entertainment companies struggled, but Netflix grew. Why? Because they adapted.
Instead of doubling down on DVD rentals, they pushed streaming. People were cutting expenses, but they still wanted entertainment, just at a lower cost.
Lesson: People don’t stop spending—they just spend differently. If your job, business, or career isn’t thriving, ask yourself: How can I adjust to what people actually need right now?
Sara Blakely: Turned $5,000 into a Billion-Dollar Brand
Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, started her company with $5,000 in savings and zero experience in fashion.
She launched during economic uncertainty when investors were reluctant to back new businesses. Banks turned her down. People told her it wasn’t the right time. She did it anyway.
Fast-forward, and Spanx is now a billion-dollar brand.
Lesson: Success isn’t about timing. It’s about taking action despite uncertainty.
Every success story has the same theme: they didn’t wait. They didn’t let fear stop them. They looked for opportunities, stayed flexible, and took action.
You don’t need a perfect economy to succeed. You just need the courage to start.
Taking Control of Your Future
The economy might be unpredictable, but your actions don’t have to be. Success doesn’t belong to the lucky! It belongs to those who take control, adapt, and keep moving forward.
Here’s your step-by-step action plan to stop blaming the economy and start creating your own opportunities.
1. Shift Your Mindset from Victim to Strategist
If you believe the economy is the reason you’re stuck, you’ll stay stuck. The truth? Your success depends more on your decisions than on the market.
Ask yourself:
Am I waiting for things to get better, or am I making things better?
Am I looking for opportunities, or just focusing on problems?
Or am I blaming the economy, or am I adapting to it?
Winners don’t waste energy on things they can’t control. They double down on what they can control - skills, mindset, and daily actions.
2. Find a Skill or Service That’s Always in Demand
Some industries struggle during recessions, but others thrive. Instead of focusing on what’s disappearing, focus on what people still need.
Essential services: Healthcare, cybersecurity, education, and home repair jobs tend to stay strong.
Digital skills: Marketing, programming, video editing, and content creation are growing industries.
Side hustles: People always need affordable services. Dog walking, tutoring, virtual assistance, and handyman work never go out of style.
Find a skill that people will pay for, no matter what the economy looks like.
3. Start Small, But Start Now
You don’t need a million-dollar business idea. You just need to take the first step.
Want a new career? Take an online course.
Want extra income? Offer a service on Fiverr or Upwork.
Want to grow in your job? Learn a new skill that makes you indispensable.
Action leads to momentum, and momentum leads to progress. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes.
4. Build a Strong Network
Connections open doors, even when the economy is down. Surround yourself with people who push you forward.
Join online communities in your industry.
Attend local events or virtual networking meetups.
Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn for advice.
Your next job, client, or opportunity could come from a simple conversation. But that only happens if you show up.
5. Create a Financial Safety Net
If economic instability makes you nervous, build a cushion.
Cut unnecessary expenses.
Start a small emergency fund, even if it’s just $10 a week.
Look for ways to add even a little extra income.
The goal isn’t to panic - it’s to prepare. A strong financial foundation gives you the freedom to make bold moves.
6. Take One Action Today
Success isn’t built in a day, but it is built daily. The key is starting - even if it’s small.
Apply for a remote job.
Research high-demand skills.
Set up a side hustle page.
The economy doesn’t determine your future - your choices do. Take control today, and watch how far you can go.
Something To Think About
The economy might be unstable, but that doesn’t mean your future has to be. The real question isn’t "Is the economy bad?", it’s "What am I doing about it?"
Think about it. Are you letting fear dictate your actions? Are you waiting for things to magically improve before you take your next step? Or are you willing to adapt, learn, and find new ways forward?
Success is about taking action despite uncertainty. The people who thrive in tough economies aren’t the ones who sit back and hope for better days. They’re the ones who pivot, take risks, and create opportunities when everyone else is too afraid to move.
Your goals don’t care about market conditions. They care about whether or not you’re willing to show up and put in the effort.
The economy will always rise and fall, but your mindset, skills, and determination? Those are yours to control.
So, what’s your next step? Will you keep waiting, or will you start building your future today? The choice is yours. But remember, success belongs to those who take action, no matter what the world is doing around them.
Your future isn’t in the hands of the economy. It’s in yours. Time to prove it.
This post was all about how to succeed no matter the state of the economy.
