Why The Parable of the Seed Matters for Changing Money Patterns

Through my years of coaching, I’ve seen all kinds of outcomes. Some clients experience huge success. Others start strong but fade. Some keep circling, never quite moving forward. And a few, honestly, don’t make much progress at all.

It’s made me think often of the Parable of the Seed.

The Four Seeds

In the story, seeds fall on different kinds of ground, and the results vary. I see the same thing happen when people start working on money.

1. The quick sprout
Some launch into coaching with energy and optimism. They love the conversation, exercises, and new tools. And at first, the results show up fast. But without deeper roots, the excitement fizzles, and their old habits slip back in.

2. The rocky soil
Others make a steady start. But then life throws a road bump—a big bill, a tough conversation, an unexpected twist—and they stall. In fact, things crumble. It’s not that they can’t do it, but discouragement or frustration when things get tough, makes them stop.

3. The thorns
Some believe systems alone will solve everything. If they can just get the budget right they’ll be fine. But the “thorns” of impatience, avoidance, or emotional spending choke out those systems. The root issues are never addressed.

4. The good soil
And then, there are those who take it slow, steady, and honest. They look at the hard stuff: old scripts, emotional triggers, values. They practice new conversations, set boundaries, and build systems to support, not replace, the deeper work. These are the clients who grow—with strength, and stick-to-it-ness. 

Patterns Beneath the Surface

This dynamic isn’t just for couples. Even if you’re doing money alone, you still have a money dialogue going on in your mind. And those voices will guide your choices. 

I’ve noticed that these inner conversations often sound a lot like the communication styles from my Money Talks Quiz! You might sidestep tough realities. You might spar with yourself, beating yourself up when things go wrong. You might circle around decisions, stuck in loops. Or you might build, one step at a time.

It doesn’t always match up perfectly with the parable, but the connection is there: the way we “talk” about money, even internally, shapes whether change sticks.

The Work That Lasts

And that’s why systems alone aren’t enough. They can’t fix what’s underneath.

Take a Moment to Reflect:

• Which of these seeds feels most familiar to you?

• What inner voices or “money dialogues” show up when you think about change?

• What do you want your money journey to look like a year from now? Five years from now?

Change is possible. But I know it takes time, and that’s okay. That’s why Wealth Together is a year (my 1:1 coaching often is, as well).

And those that didn’t stick it out? A lot of them come back! 

What do you want your journey to be like?

I’m keeping a few quiet spots open in my Wealth Together program. And the door is always open for 1:1 clients. It begins with a Fit Call.