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What if the fulfillment you've been chasing isn't something you find in the future, but something you create right now?
In this episode of Recounting Life Lessons, we sit down with Shelby Delgado, author of Single and Fulfilled, to explore how to navigate life's unmet expectations and cultivate true contentment from within. Whether you're single, in a relationship, or simply feeling like life isn't unfolding the way you planned, this episode will help you shift your mindset, root your identity in something unshakable, and find joy in your present circumstances.
Listen now to start breaking free from unmet expectations and living fully
5 Mindset Shifts to find inner fulfillment
Most people search for happiness in future accomplishments, relationships, or external success. But what if lasting fulfillment comes from within? These five mindset shifts will help you stop chasing and start embracing fulfillment in your daily life.
- Shift from Expectation to Appreciation: It's easy to feel unfulfilled when life doesn't meet our expectations. Instead of focusing on what's missing, shift your mindset toward gratitude. Regularly acknowledging what you already have creates a sense of fulfillment in the present.
- Redefine Your Identity Beyond External Achievements: Many high achievers define themselves by their career, relationship status, or accomplishments. True fulfillment comes from knowing who you are beyond what you do. Rooting your identity in your values, faith, or personal growth allows you to feel secure no matter what changes in your external world.
- Embrace Discomfort as a Path to Growth: Difficulties and disappointments are inevitable, but they can also be transformative. Instead of resisting discomfort, see it as an opportunity to build resilience and uncover deeper truths about yourself.
- Prioritize Meaningful Connections Over Surface-Level Success: Success is hollow without connection. Investing in deep, meaningful relationships with friends, family, and community can bring a level of fulfillment that achievements alone never will.
- Live in the Present Instead of the "When...Then..." Trap: It's common to think, "I'll be happy when..." (I get the promotion, find the right partner, reach a milestone). But true joy is found in fully engaging with the present moment. Don't postpone happiness—look for ways to create it in your daily life.
More ways to listen:
Main Takeaways & golden nuggets from finding fulfillment"
- Unmet expectations don't define your happiness: Disappointment is inevitable, but your response determines your fulfillment.
- Your identity is not dependent on your circumstances: Grounding yourself in faith, values, and self-awareness leads to lasting confidence.
- You don't have to wait to start living a fulfilling life: Joy and contentment are available now, regardless of your situation.
- Recognizing and addressing emotional needs is crucial: If you're feeling unfulfilled, take time to identify what's missing and seek solutions.
- Building strong relationships leads to greater fulfillment: True happiness comes from meaningful connections, not external achievements.
"...not everything is such a big deal...life is so much bigger than your world."-Shelby Delgado
For an in-depth exploration of these takeaways and more, be sure to listen to the full episode below.
connect with Shelby Delgado:
Sehlby Delgado is a California native whose transformative experiences in Arizona led her to a profound calling: empowering women and guiding individuals in their faith journeys. As the author of Single & Fulfilled, Shelby offers a heartfelt guidance to those embracing singleness, drawing from her own life and deep-rooted faith.
Beyond her writing, Shelby is actively involved in her church community, finding joy and purpose in uplifting others. Her mission centers on encouraging individuals to embrace their current season of life with purpose and to strengthen their identity in Christ.
To connect with Shelby, visit her website at shelbydelgado.com, where you can learn more about her journey and access resources like her blog and book. You can also reach out to her directly through the contact form on her site.
Stay updated on her latest insights and endeavors by following her on social media and grab a copy of her book:
- Facebook: Single & Fulfilled Community
- Instagram: @shelbydelgadobooks
- Grab your copy of Single & Fulfilled: here
Tips for applying these takeaways:
Want to apply these insights to your life? Here are some actionable steps you can take today:
- Keep a gratitude journal: Each day, write down three things you're grateful for to train your mind to focus on the positive.
- Schedule solo adventures: Get comfortable doing things you enjoy alone to build self-reliance and contentment.
- Engage in deep conversations: Instead of small talk, ask meaningful questions that foster deeper connections.
- Identify one area where you're waiting for happiness: Take action today to create joy instead of postponing it.
- Set personal growth goals: Work on areas of self-development that align with your values and contribute to long-term fulfillment.
Listen now if you're ready to break free from the "when...then..." trap and enjoy life now.
final thoughts: Create fulfillment in your life
Fulfillment isn't something you find—it's something you create. By shifting your mindset, embracing where you are, and investing in meaningful connections, you can experience deep contentment today.
Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes as we and people from all walks of life share their experiences and we identify the lessons, blessings, and success principles that life is providing—lessons that we can all take advantage of and learn from if we pay attention.
If you're ready to step into your full potential, make sure to listen to the episode and share it with someone who could benefit from this powerful message. And don't forget to subscribe to Recounting Life Lessons and jump onto our Insider email list for more insights, actionable tips, and empowering stories.
We are Sione & Alana
Co-Hosts and Owners of
Recounting Life Lessons
We're a married couple from Hawaii who are now living in Vancouver, Washington.
Two things that we are passionate about are:
1) Uncovering the success principles and life lessons that help us all grow into our best selves.
Our favorite ways to uncover success principles and life lessons are by sharing stories from our own adventures and interviewing inspiring guests from all walks of life on our podcast.
2) Making personal growth and consistently leveling up in your life simple and sustainable, no matter what your circumstances are.
We take special care to craft the programs and resources we create, in a way, that keeps things simple and easy to follow-through on.
Through our blog, podcast, courses, and programs, we aim to empower you to grow into your best self, live with purpose, and make a meaningful impact on the world around you.
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