What You're Made For

1. Forge Your Own Path as a Trailblazer

“Where there’s a way or a path,” Campbell writes, “it is someone else’s path.”

Venture into the unknown. George Raveling's life began with stacked odds, from a segregated D.C. to an effectively orphaned childhood. His journey to Villanova, where he was only the second Black player, exemplified venturing into uncharted territory. This courage to step off the beaten track, like the Arthurian knights entering the "Forest Adventurous" at its darkest point, is essential for true fulfillment.

Find your unique niche. At Villanova, Raveling realized he couldn't rely on size alone. He observed a void in rebounding and dedicated himself to becoming a specialist, creating his own drills and studying film. This strategy—finding an underappreciated area and excelling in it—made him indispensable, setting single-game and season rebounding records.

Pioneering impact. Being a trailblazer is difficult, filled with doubt and naysayers, but it's the road to unique contributions. Raveling's experience shows that by filling a void and becoming an expert, you not only achieve personal success but also create new possibilities for those who follow, leaving a lasting impact on an industry or even the world.

2. Listen Actively to Learn and Grow

When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.

Curated listening. Raveling's grandmother taught him active listening by quizzing him after visits with her "lady friends," turning on his young ears to absorb wisdom from everyday conversations. This early training, reinforced by listening to radio programs, instilled the discipline to be fully present and engaged, a skill that proved invaluable throughout his life.

Absorb from all sources. At Villanova, Raveling learned from coaches, teammates, and even legendary figures like Wilt Chamberlain, observing their dedication and approach to greatness. He learned that champions carry themselves differently, notice different things, and expect more, insights gained not just from words but from keen observation.

Filter signal from noise. Working with Nike cofounder Phil Knight, Raveling witnessed a master of listening who could cut through elaborate presentations to the core issue with nine powerful words: "Throwing money at a problem is rarely the solution." This ability to discern relevant, actionable insights is crucial in a world saturated with information, making active listening more vital than ever.

3. Seek Wisdom Relentlessly, Especially Through Books

Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.

Reading as a moral duty. Raveling's grandmother taught him that slave masters hid money in books because "slaves wouldn't open them," highlighting the dark relationship between slavery and literacy. This lesson instilled in him a belief that to not read was to remain weak and ignore the sacrifices made for the right to literacy, making reading a moral imperative.

Books as liberation. At Villanova, books became Raveling's GPS and mentors, expanding his world and challenging his assumptions. He devoured biographies and historical accounts, finding hope and courage, and gaining insights that would prove invaluable in his career. Books became an equalizer, allowing him to engage with great thinkers on an equal footing, regardless of his background.

Systematic study. Raveling developed a meticulous system for studying books, not just reading them. He uses:

• Circling unfamiliar words for later research
• Horizontal lines for important paragraphs
• Different colored highlighters for specific insights (quotes, concepts)
• Filling blank pages with summaries and reflections
• Transferring key insights to "learning journals"

This active engagement transforms reading into a powerful tool for continuous growth and problem-solving.

4. Embrace Struggle as a Path to Meaning

One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.

Struggle defines triumph. Raveling's Washington State Cougars endured 27 consecutive losses to UCLA, including a heartbreaking defeat due to a controversial call. Each loss, though devastating at the time, built resilience and shaped the team. When they finally beat UCLA 80-64, the victory was profoundly meaningful precisely because of the years of struggle that preceded it.

Growth through adversity. The significance of the win wasn't in the game itself, but in the journey of close calls, heartbreaks, and coming up short. Raveling realized that struggles give meaning to triumphs, forcing deeper introspection and improvement. Without the sting of falling short, complacency can set in, but struggle forces one to dig deeper, leading to real growth.

Grateful for the hard times. Coach John Wooden's words, "there'll be better days ahead," echoed through Raveling's mind during those losing years. He learned that when better days arrive, one becomes grateful for the worse ones, as they forged strength and appreciation. His personal hardships—losing parents, facing discrimination—made his later victories even more meaningful.

5. Dispense Love in the Face of Hatred

Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.

Humanity on the court. In the late 1950s, as one of two Black players at Villanova, Raveling faced racial hostility in Morgantown, West Virginia. During a game against Jerry West, a collision sent them into the stands. In that tense moment, West extended his hand to help Raveling up, a simple gesture that defused tension and began a lifelong friendship, demonstrating respect and dignity.

Beyond competition. West's act transcended the game, showing that competition could exist with grace and compassion. He later reflected on Raveling being the first Black person he played against, emphasizing that "competition mattered. It doesn't matter who you are, it doesn't matter what race you are." This humanity, even amidst a dominant performance, defined West's greatness.

Love as the answer. Raveling learned from West that love is the most powerful force against hatred, ignorance, and fear. He committed to being a "dispenser of love," extending compassion, supporting the marginalized, and using his platform to make the world brighter. This legacy of love, unity, and light is one everyone can aspire to, even in small, everyday acts.

6. Serve Others to Find Your Own Fulfillment

Goodness is the only investment that never fails.

A conscious shift. Around age eighty, Raveling made a conscious decision to dedicate the rest of his life to serving others, shifting his focus from personal success to helping as many people as possible live better lives. This led to his "magic question": "What can I do for you?" asked sincerely and consistently to friends and strangers alike.

Planting flowers. Freddie Lewis's advice, "Plant a lot of flowers on the way up, because you’re going to have to pick them on the way down," became a guiding principle. This means being of service, spreading kindness, and building goodwill, recognizing that the support sown during good times will be crucial during difficult periods.

Interconnected growth. Raveling found that dedicating himself to others' well-being ignited a renewed enthusiasm for learning and self-education. Each interaction became an opportunity for growth, exposing him to new perspectives and ideas. This reinforced his belief that as he served others, he grew, and as he helped others improve, his own life was enriched.

7. Keep Hope Alive Through Small, Consistent Acts

Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all,

A personal awakening. Raveling initially felt disconnected from the 1963 March on Washington, but Dr. Wilson's encouragement led him to volunteer as security. Witnessing Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, and receiving his notes, transformed Raveling from a self-absorbed youth into a hopeful individual, realizing one voice could stir hundreds of thousands.

Hope in quiet persistence. Decades later, when former player James Donaldson called, contemplating suicide, Raveling didn't deliver a grand speech. Instead, he committed to calling James daily, sometimes twice, offering consistent presence and support. This taught Raveling that hope often comes in quiet, persistent, day-to-day acts, giving someone a reason to get through until morning.

Everyday opportunities. Keeping hope alive isn't just about grand gestures; it's about small, consistent acts of kindness and encouragement. With 86,400 seconds in a day, each moment is an opportunity to:

• Offer a genuine "thank you"
• Share a warm smile
• Give an encouraging pat on the back
• Be a positive voice for someone who might not hear one all day

These actions lift others up, reminding them of their worth and potential.

8. Cultivate Deep, Enduring Relationships

We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity.

Relationships as life's foundation. Raveling attributes all the great things in his life to relationships. His athletic director at Washington State, who extended his contract despite losing seasons, exemplified true friendship: "I’ll always be there when you’re losing. I’ll never be there when you’re winning." This loyalty in adversity is the defining element of genuine connection.

Beyond the surface. Raveling's friendship with Bobby Knight, though often fiery, was built on honesty and mutual respect. Raveling learned to disarm Knight by simply saying, "I love you, man. You changed my life," revealing the universal human need for love and appreciation. He now makes it a habit to express love and offer help at the end of every conversation.

Invest in everyone. Raveling met legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, and Bill Walton before they became superstars. He emphasizes that you never know who someone will become, urging genuine connection with everyone, not just those who are already successful. This means investing in relationships for their own sake, for the shared humanity, and being a "contributing member of the hive."

9. Tell the Truth, Starting with Yourself

Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.

Honesty as leadership. When Bob Knight tasked Raveling with cutting Charles Barkley from the 1984 Olympic team, Raveling delivered the news directly and compassionately. Barkley's graceful acceptance, acknowledging his true motivation to impress NBA scouts, taught Raveling that telling the truth starts as an "inside job"—being authentic about one's own desires and motivations.

Consequences of truth. Raveling's decision to publish the "open secret" of Gene Bartow replacing John Wooden at UCLA, despite threats and a temporary suspension, demonstrated his belief that people deserve to know the truth. He learned that truth-telling isn't free, often incurring costs like anger or controversy, but standing by what's right is always worth it.

A culture of honesty. At Nike, Phil Knight's unwavering honesty fostered a culture where truth-telling was expected and rewarded, allowing the company to confront challenges head-on and make bold moves. Doc Rivers later sought Raveling as a consultant specifically for his willingness to "tell me the truth," highlighting the rarity and value of unvarnished feedback in leadership.

10. Win Each Day Through Intentional Action

The will to win—I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a competitive athlete that doesn’t want to win. The will to prepare to win is so much more important than the will to win.

Daily commitment. Michael Jordan's dedication to his youth camps, showing up every day and playing with campers, exemplified "winning the day." He taught Raveling that true greatness isn't about one-off victories but about the consistent, often monotonous, daily choices that compound over time. Jordan's "flu game" was a culmination of years of unseen daily effort.

Focus on what matters. Raveling starts each day by choosing happiness and strategizing his "must-dos." He learned that "Your life—who you are, what you think, feel, and do, what you love—is the sum of what you focus on." This insight led him to reframe time management as attention management, prioritizing quality over quantity.

The "Every Day Guy" mindset. Coach Buzz Williams' philosophy, "The best thing we do is every day, and the hardest thing we do is every day," underscores the price of greatness. It's about consistent, dedicated effort, even when it's not glamorous. Raveling challenges others to ask: "What is it that you’re willing to sacrifice to be great?"

11. Continuously Reach Your Outer Limits

The art of competing, I’d learn from track, was the art of forgetting…. You must forget your limits. You must forget your doubts, your pain, your past.

Challenge accepted wisdom. Kobe Bryant, a 10-time All-Star, challenged Nike's decades-long assumption that basketball shoes must be high-tops. His research into ankle strength (including tap dancing) and soccer cleats led him to demand the lowest, lightest basketball shoe. The Nike Zoom Kobe IV revolutionized footwear, proving that even established success shouldn't prevent seeking improvement.

Relentless learning. Kobe's drive wasn't just for basketball; he aimed to be "as good a businessman as I was a basketball player" after retirement. He constantly sought wisdom, asking Raveling about his books and insights. This mindset of endless striving, like Jimmy Carter's "Why Not the Best?", is about doing all you can to be all you can be, by your own definition.

Personal best, not comparison. Raveling emphasizes that reaching your outer limits is a personal journey, not a competition against others. He was the best basketball player and executive he could be, not the next Kobe or Phil Knight. The challenge is to push your own boundaries, grow, learn, and improve daily, asking, "Are you doing everything you can to reach your own outer limits?"

12. Bring People With You to Create Lasting Impact

A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.

Building "Underground Railroads." Raveling actively sought out talented Black players in the segregated South, like Johnny Jones and Howard Porter, who were overlooked by Division I schools. He brought them to Villanova, creating a "pipeline of talent" that led to NCAA success and inspired other coaches to broaden their recruiting, showcasing hidden potential.

Globalizing opportunity. This experience fueled Raveling's mission at Nike to create "Underground Railroads" worldwide. The Nike Hoop Summit brought together international talent like Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, and Nikola Jokić, giving them a platform to shine. Dirk, who Raveling first met on crutches, became an NBA star, crediting Raveling for helping him grow "not only the basketball player, but the human."

The ripple effect of mentorship. Raveling's "coaching tree" includes successful coaches like Shaka Smart, Buzz Williams, and Jay Wright, whose achievements bring him deep satisfaction. He believes legacy is about planting seeds and creating a "ripple effect"—the impact you have on people and the lives they go on to touch. His advice to "Spend your adult life making people feel special" encapsulates this commitment to lifting others up.

Last updated: February 15, 2026