Fear, Money, and the Patterns We Don’t See

I went back and listened to an old coaching session the other day—one from maybe five years ago. It was short, just 20 minutes, an espresso shot of a session. And as I listened, I realized something: sometimes, the insights we need don’t land when they first appear. They wait. They wait until we’re in a different place, thinking differently, ready to hear them.

I was the client in this session, and it was about fear, specifically my fears around money. Not having enough. The worry that creeps in and makes us act—sometimes in ways that feel frantic, misaligned, even desperate. I’d heard this before, but hearing it now, years later, I could feel it differently. I could see the patterns I’d been unconsciously following.

It’s subtle, how fear shapes us. In business, it can push you to send offer after offer at the last minute, spin on worry, and take actions that don’t actually serve your goals. We think we’re “being productive,” but really, fear is running the show. It’s not about the work we do—it’s about trying to feel in control of something we never can fully control.

Recognizing this has changed how I approach my work, my decisions, my life. It’s not about beating myself up, or discipline, or pretending the fear isn’t there. It’s about noticing it. Observing it. Understanding it doesn’t have to dictate my next step. And when I do that, something shifts. The heaviness lifts, and momentum takes its place. Momentum rooted in curiosity, in action, in purpose—not scarcity.

I want to help my clients and listeners step out of those fear-driven cycles too. To see the difference between reactive patterns and intentional action. To understand that making money, building a business, creating impact—it doesn’t have to come from fear. It comes from clarity, inspiration, and the courage to move forward even when the fear is there.

This session reminded me that awareness is the first step. Once you notice the patterns, once you see the triggers, you can choose differently. And that’s where growth begins.

Jaime Gennaro is a seasoned business consultant and coach with over 20 years of experience helping companies achieve sustainable growth and leadership success. She has held leadership roles in marketing and operational strategy across various industries, including tech startups and creative agencies. Jaime specializes in business coaching for entrepreneurs and guiding leaders in balancing personal and professional growth. She focuses on reducing burnout, achieving business clarity, and developing entrepreneurial leadership strategies for long-term success.