Some days are harder than others. How discouraged or down you feel may depend on your exposure to the news on any given day, a particular interaction that left you feeling sad or disheartened or how you’ve chosen to perceive a particular event (e.g. a job rejection letter making you feel unemployable).

No matter what your situation is—employed, looking for work, contemplating a new career—being in a positive frame of mind will only help you as you pursue your goal.

When things in your life seem to be out of your control and it’s affecting your attitude or mood, here are three actions you might consider to shift your perspective and support your efforts to make a change:

1. Be grateful. Numerous studies show the positive impact of gratitude on physical and emotional health. Shifting thoughts from judgment or negative ideas to recognizing something for which you are grateful can result in a surprising change in your perspective.
2. Finish something. Everyone has loose ends in their lives. Even when you are not consciously thinking about what you’ve not completed, you may feel a nagging sensation. When you close the loop on something, whether it’s a conversation, something you need to organize, or anything else that feels incomplete, you will ultimately feel a sense of satisfaction that may elevate your mood.
3. Exercise. Didn’t you just know this would be on the list? It’s accurate to say that exercise is a “magic bullet” of health and well-being. Getting into a routine of this endorphin-releasing activity is hard to do, but studies show that even 10-15 minutes of exercise daily has benefits that include mood enhancement.