The biggest motivator for me no matter what I do, whether in my career or the fitness world, is to prove somebody wrong.

Ever since I was young, my parents found out quickly, and used to their advantage, that I would do something quickly when they told me they thought I wouldn’t do it.

In college, a professor told me he didn’t think I would pass his class, and it motivated me to study harder than ever before to where I passed with flying colors.

At the gym, I had a coach tell me that he didn’t think I would land a lift, and I wouldn’t stop until I did it.

I’m not sure what that says about me, but I kick it into gear when I am told the phrase “I don’t think you can do it.”

I hope that the people of Selma have the same motivation to turn this place around.

I know it’s difficult, and I know some people that admitted that saying they live here is difficult to say because of the reaction they get from outside people.

People have said they think this place won’t exist in 20 years, and eventually, Selma will just fade away as a memory of the Civil Rights movement and nothing more.

Is that how you see your city?

Do you want this place to eventually fade away, and all that is remembered is that history was made here one time a long time ago?

Wouldn’t you want to build off those historic events, and continue to do great things to make this place better?

There are people telling all of us still here that are working to make this place better “I don’t think you can do it.”
There’s no doubt that Selma has its problems, but there’s also a group of people spread out across the town that are constantly working to making this place better.

Most people think we will fail by staying here.

Most people think eventually we will wash our hands of this place, and move away, but I hope that people continue to work against the naysayers who say that Selma can’t get better.

I hope that everyone is motivated by “I don’t think you all can do it.”

Prove them wrong.

Will Whaley is the editor for The Selma Times-Journal. He can be reached at will.whaley@selmatimesjournal.com.