Does holding out really work in the end?

I'm genuinely curious. I have no investment knowledge so just follow the advice of people in reddit. I'm only 32 so havent lived that long and only started buying s&p couple years back. So for those who are more senior, does holding the line really work out in the end after 20 or 30+ years? I don't know and won't even attempt to time the market. I'm holding even tho I know lately it's been a rough ride. Like have those who have invested for much longer actually lost more after the end of waiting?