An informative guide to leadership when times are tough
If you know the name Alec Ingold, you’re probably a football fan. Ingold plays fullback in the NFL. Fullback is a thankless position. They are typically deployed to run head-first into someone at least their size (if not larger), and they rarely carry the football. Instead, they clear the way for the star running back to score touchdowns and earn millions.
Ingold played his college football for the University of Wisconsin but wasn’t drafted by any NFL teams. Instead, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Oakland Raiders back in 2019. His work ethic has never been questioned. He is a steady worker who was rewarded by being named as a captain on the Raiders team. In 2020, he scored the first touchdown in the Las Vegas Raiders new home, Allegiant Stadium.
In 2021, Ingold suffered a season-ending injury, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). During his rehabilitation, Ingold authored what became The 7 Crucibles. Ingold describes the book best as “[a]n inspirational game plan for overcoming adversity in your life.” The book is just that. It is not simply a guide to being a better football player. It excels at recognizing and naming some of the challenges that anyone seeking personal development and leadership skills face.
Ingold includes many details about his personal and professional lives. He writes beautifully about the many types of adversity that readers may find themselves struggling to overcome. He divides the challenges into crucibles, similar to how Shirzad Chamine names them as saboteurs in Positive Intelligence.
Ingold excels at addressing the crucibles with a range of positive factors. These include physical, mental and spiritual focus areas that can empower those seeking to improve and evolve. He begins with purpose, the cornerstone on which every other development must rely. Other focus areas include knowing who truly supports you. He also dedicates time to leadership and competition.
The crucibles aren’t all things that readers can pivot and address immediately. Some require a change in thinking and attitude. Others, however, are tactical, and can be started right away. The grindset (accompanied by mindset and heartset) can fuel and power the desire to change. All in all, the combination of guidance that Ingold details can help to develop and reach short, middle, and long-term goals.
Ingold humbly states that he isn’t an author, but The 7 Crucibles is every bit as inspirational as any other personal development guide. Football fans will enjoy the connection to their favorite sport, but the lessons contained in the book don’t rely on fandom of football or any other sport. They apply to anyone looking to grow and improve upon their personal reflection.
Find out more about The 7 Crucibles and the Ingold Family Foundation at alecingold.com.