Former NFL player and motivational speaker Trent Shelton encouraged a packed house at Saturday night’s ‘Dream Big’ event to take control of their own destiny and stop letting other people’s opinions and views prevent them from reaching their full potential.

He said ‘haters’ might try and discourage you from reaching those dreams but as long as you believe in yourself and keep positive people in your circle, you can continue moving forward.

“Haters are people who love what you do but have an odd way of showing it,” Mr Shelton explained.

Speaking to 500 people inside the Harbourview Ballroom at the Hamilton Princess, Mr Shelton was joined in the event by other inspirational speakers, including Cushi Ming, Gnica Brangman and Melodye Micere Van Putten.

The event was organised by the VIP Group and J D Lewis Group.

Mr Ming talked about how the three P’s — purpose, passion and persistence — could get one to a place of success.

While Ms Brangman shared her experience of how she came to a broken point in life after the death of her husband, then being sexually assaulted, taking drugs and attempting to take her own life.

However, she said thanks to her faith in God, she was able to turn things around and recently started her own spa business.

Ms Van Putten gave a funny and enlightening presentation on the importance of women knowing their own value and worth before getting into a relationship, and making sure they develop a friendship with that person before pursuing something romantic.

Laree Talbot, 17, said she was particularly inspired by that speech.

She said: “As a teenager, it’s really good to get advice so you know what to base a relationship on. It’s a good start for us, instead of going into a relationship with bad intentions, to start with your standards high and not to bring your standards down. Instead the person you are dating should rise up to meet you.”

During Mr Shelton’s wide ranging speech, he encouraged people to surround themselves with people who care about ‘who you are and not what you do’.

He learned that lesson himself the hard way after seeing that some ‘friends’ weren’t there when he needed them the most — including when his dreams of an NFL career slowly fell from his grasp a few years ago.

The former athlete told the audience it was important to build a relationship with God “because when you’re at your lowest point and have nothing else, He is the only thing guaranteed to still be there.”

Mr Shelton was ranked number 20 in a list of the top 50 motivational people on the web. The list also included names like Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates and Sean (Diddy)’ Combs.

He has toured the world speaking on behalf of his company REHAB Time and many of his motivational videos have gone viral on the web.

This was Mr Shelton’s first visit to the Island. He recently filmed a motivational video in Bermuda called “#NoUnfinishedBusiness” at the Unfinished Church in St George’s.

To see it, visit Facebook: Trent Shelton Fan Page.