The School of Greatness

643 Show the World Your Greatness with Trent Shelton

May 20, 2018

In a powerful conversation with Trent Shelton, a former NFL wide receiver turned impactful speaker, the discussion dives deep into the challenges of identity after sports. He shares how his greatest disappointments became catalysts for personal growth and healing. Trent emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and genuine connections, offering a framework for resilience. He passionately advocates for embracing daily opportunities to make a difference, inspiring listeners to transform their lives and others through storytelling and connection.

49:11

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Trent Shelton

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Quick takeaways

Trent Shelton emphasizes that overcoming significant disappointments can lead to unexpected personal transformations and greater happiness in life.

He outlines a three-step process—Reality, Release, and Repair—to help individuals navigate emotional pain and rediscover their self-worth.

The importance of celebrating one's accomplishments is highlighted, as neglecting to do so can hinder personal growth and foster feelings of inadequacy.

Deep dives

Understanding Identity Loss

Losing one’s identity after a significant life change, such as a professional sports career, can be a profound experience. Trent Shelton shares his journey of navigating this loss, discussing how his identity as an athlete defined his self-worth from a young age. When his football career ended prematurely, he faced existential questions about who he was beyond the sport. This topic resonates with many, emphasizing the importance of rediscovering oneself and finding purpose after substantial changes.

Intro

4min

From the Field to Growth: Life After Football

3min

From Athlete to Advocate: A Journey of Healing

12min

The Pursuit of True Fulfillment

7min

Building Connections: The Art of Communication

7min

Embracing Vulnerability and Growth

16min

Embracing Daily Opportunities for Growth and Impact

4min

“WHAT YOU THINK IS YOUR GREATEST DISAPPOINTMENT CAN BE YOUR GREATEST RESCUE.”
Do you ever get down on yourself over mistakes you’ve made in the past? Are you upset about things that happened to you and feel like the best times of your life are over?
They’re not.
When I was younger and injured right as my professional career as an athlete was starting to take off, I thought that was it.
I thought my life was over in my early twenties. I had no backup. No plan B.
I ended up sharing myself with the world, and turning my selfish nature into something selfless. I started making it my goal to help others, to transform lives, and I’m so much happier than I ever could have been.
Of course, a part of me wishes my career as an athlete had been successful, but when I think about everything I have and all of the memories I have from helping others, I wouldn’t change it for the world.
There’s no reason you can’t do the same now.
Your glory days are still coming.
On this episode of The School of Greatness, I had the pleasure to sit down with someone who has gone through a similar situation as myself: Trent Shelton.
Trent Shelton is a former NFL wide receiver that is now considered one of the most impactful speakers of this generation.
He reaches over 50 million people weekly through his various social media outlets, and also travels the world to speak his message of creating lasting change in your life.
I was fortunate enough to have him sit down with me and discuss how he’s impacted people.
We talk about the three steps to rehab when you’ve lost your identity, what happens when you don’t celebrate your accomplishments, and how to build your communication strategy.
Learn how you can apply the best of yourself each day, on Episode 643.
Some Questions I Ask:
When you dropped to the arena league, did you do pretty well? (6:55)
Did you start doing videos during your “rehab” time? (9:17)
What has being a husband and father taught you about life?(17:48)
What numbers do you think we should be measuring? (21:44)
What is the biggest challenge in intimate relationships? (25:12)
What do you do to connect with your wife or your kids every single day? (29:54)
What’s the biggest challenge you face moving forward? (32:12)
Can you share a spoken word? (34:36)
What about the people who are afraid to share their story? (38:53)
In This Episode You Will Learn:
What Trent did when Plan A fell through (7:34)
How long someone should take before they come back into life after dealing with pain (11:12)
The three Rs of rehab (12:24)
What Trent means by, “Chasing a life of fulfillment wears you out.” (19:38)
The person Trent held a grudge against the longest (23:14)
The biggest challenge he faces in his marriage (27:52)
Trent’s main goal and dream for himself (30:52)
How social media is affecting relationships today (33:23)
The biggest thing Trent has learned from reflecting on his life (37:08)
Plus much, much more