The Debt We Don’t See: Ignorance Debt and Our Pursuit of Abundance

When we talk about reaching significant financial goals, we often imagine the freedom, the choices, and the impact we’ll have. But I’d like us to flip the script today and take a step back. Because right now, many of us are paying a debt we didn’t even know we had—a debt I like to call "ignorance debt."

What is Ignorance Debt?

When I say “ignorance debt,” I’m talking about the unseen gap between where you are and where you want to be—not financially, but in knowledge, awareness, and purpose. If your goal is to make, let’s say, $100 million, or maybe just an extra $500,000 a year, we often get hyper-focused on the dollars, forgetting the most crucial debt to clear: what we don’t know that’s holding us back.

Here’s how you calculate your ignorance debt: take the amount you aspire to make annually, subtract your current income. That difference isn’t just a financial gap—it’s a knowledge gap, an understanding gap. It’s life saying, “Until you bridge this distance, you’re still paying off your ignorance debt.”

Why It’s More than the Money

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t this just another way of saying, “make more money”? Well, it’s not. I’m talking about getting clear on your biggest why. Why does this number matter to you? Because, funny enough, when you find the reason that pushes you beyond your current income, you’ll see it’s never actually about the money.

Maybe you want the financial freedom to choose a life that isn’t dictated by a paycheck.

Maybe you’re aiming for $500k or $5 million because you want to create a legacy, build a business that outlives you, or impact a community.

Whatever your reason is, understanding it is vital because that reason will become your fuel.

The Compounding Effect of Ignorance Debt

Just like financial debt, ignorance debt compounds. Every day we don’t invest in the knowledge, connections, and skills that bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to be, the debt grows. This isn't just about reading a few books or attending a seminar. This is about immersing yourself in the transformation required to think and operate like the person who already makes that $100 million—or whatever number you’ve set.

Imagine you’re an entrepreneur who wants to scale a business. If you’re still doing things the way you did when you were making five figures, you’re adding to your ignorance debt. Think of how often we stick with comfortable, familiar strategies that feel safe. But safe strategies for smaller goals won’t get you to 100 million. What would happen if you stepped into the version of you that’s already achieved that goal? How would they think? How would they solve problems?

Replacing Ignorance Debt with Purposeful Investment

Here’s the best part: while ignorance debt can accumulate, so can our potential. But the only way to replace ignorance debt with progress is to invest purposefully. Look for knowledge that directly impacts your trajectory. Surround yourself with people who challenge your assumptions. Cultivate insights that help you make the bold moves required to bridge the gap.

1. Knowledge: Read, study, engage. But not just for the sake of learning. Ask yourself, “Will this insight get me closer to my vision?”

2. Network: Surround yourself with people who are already where you want to be. Ignorance debt also accrues when we spend time in circles that reinforce our current status quo. Find people who stretch you.

3. Intentional Action: It’s easy to talk about big dreams. But every single day, ask yourself, “What can I do to clear a little more ignorance debt today?” This could be anything from taking a risk in your business to making a difficult phone call to someone you know can help you grow.

Final Thoughts: Working for Your Biggest Why

So, today, I challenge you to write down two numbers: the income you aspire to and the income you’re currently making. Then, recognize the difference as your current ignorance debt, the journey you must take to reach your vision. But, also write down your why. Because that’s the part that will drive you when the debt feels impossible to clear.

And remember, it’s not actually about the 100 million, the 500k, or the extra few zeros in your bank account. It’s about becoming the person who’s capable of achieving it, because that’s where the real richness lives.