Market crashes never feel good.
Even if you know they're a normal part of investing, seeing your ASX share portfolio fall can be uncomfortable. It can make you question your strategy and tempt you to act at exactly the wrong time.
But the way you respond during a downturn often matters more than anything you do when markets are rising.
Here's how I think about getting through it.
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Accept that volatility is part of the process
The first step is understanding that market declines aren't unusual. They happen regularly, even in strong long-term bull markets. Corrections, bear markets, and sudden selloffs are all part of the journey.
Trying to avoid them completely usually leads to worse outcomes, because it often means sitting on the sidelines when markets recover.
For me, accepting volatility upfront makes it easier to stay calm when it inevitably arrives.
Focus on the businesses, not the share prices
When markets fall, prices move quickly. But businesses don't change nearly as fast.
Instead of asking "Why is the share price down?", I would ask "Has anything actually changed about the business?"
If the answer is no, then the investment case may still be intact.
Avoid the urge to sell in panic
One of the biggest mistakes investors make during a crash is selling out of fear.
It's understandable. Losses feel real, and the instinct is to protect what's left. But history shows that some of the best returns come after the worst declines.
Selling during a downturn can lock in losses and make it harder to benefit from the eventual recovery.
That doesn't mean you should never sell ASX shares. But decisions should be based on fundamentals, not emotion.
Keep investing if you can
If you're in a position to do so, continuing to invest in quality ASX shares, such as Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), during a downturn can be powerful.
When prices fall, your money buys more shares. Over time, that can improve your overall returns.
This approach is often called dollar-cost averaging.
You just continue to invest through different market conditions, rather than trying to time the perfect entry point.
Make sure your strategy fits your risk tolerance
A market crash can also be a reality check. If a downturn makes you want to sell everything, it might be a sign that your ASX share portfolio is too aggressive for your comfort level.
There's nothing wrong with adjusting your approach.
That could mean holding more diversified investments, adding defensive businesses, or keeping some cash on hand.
The goal is to build a portfolio you can stick with, even when markets are volatile.
Think in years, not weeks
It's easy to get caught up in short-term movements.
But long-term investing is exactly that, long term.
Over decades, markets have historically trended higher, even though the path is never smooth.
When I zoom out and think in terms of years rather than weeks, it becomes much easier to stay focused on the bigger picture.
Foolish takeaway
Market crashes are uncomfortable, but they're also unavoidable.
For me, surviving them comes down to staying calm, focusing on quality, and sticking to a long-term plan.
If you can do that, you not only get through the downturn, but you also put yourself in a position to benefit when the recovery eventually comes.
