Everybody, it seems, is doing better than you are.

There you sit, a complete adult, but you can’t stop noticing others who are thriving while you’re feeling lost. Find a new job? Ask for a new client list? Take a vacation now rather than waiting? Other people thrived this year, it seems, but you’re stuck – so find the new book “I Decided to Live as Me” by Kim Suhyun. It’s time for a new direction.

When she was an intern straight out of college, Kim Suhyun’s first boss mistreated her badly. Still, she stayed until the internship was over, but the memory of it consumes her with rage and doubt. Where did things go wrong? She couldn’t find an answer to that, but she slowly began to understand that she had to increase her own self-worth and confidence. She had to seize her dignity and stop obsessing over the lives and opinions of others.

She had to live a more authentic life. And here, she shares what she learned.

Suhyun begins with this advice: don’t use extra effort to make yourself feel bad. Don’t let others make you miserable, either; in fact, don’t pay too much attention to anyone who’s just “passing through” your life.

Be more patient with clients, colleagues and strangers; we’re too quick to hate these days. Try to remember that no one is perfect, and that being average is just fine – but don’t take that as a sign to roll over when you’re insulted. You can speak out against wrongs and detractors while still respecting yourself and your humanity.

Find reasons to do things that make you happy. Know your personal style in dress and action. Make decisions based on the person you are, rather than what you think others want. Mourn, but don’t overdo it for most things. If you’re struggling, admit it to others.

And remember that the only thing you can truly control is your own well-being.

Sometimes, things just seem cattywampus, like nothing is going right and tomorrow looks bleak. That’s when you retreat for a couple of hours with “I Decided to Live as Me,” lick your wounds and emerge feeling better.

That’s what this book does: it helps you remember the strengths and resolution you’ve somehow forgotten that you already possess, and it helps you find new steel for your spine.

To be sure, the advice here is commonplace and you’ve likely heard it all before, but author Kim Suhyun’s relatable anecdotes revitalize those familiar words. Suhyun underscores them with what seems like such a quiet, peaceful voice but don’t let the gentle demeanor fool you: this book isn’t for pushovers or pussyfooters. You’ll come away from your session with it refreshed, empowered and clearer-minded.

This is a great book for anyone who feels as though they’ve been wallowing in sorrow enough or for anyone who needs a soft push to get going again. “I Decided to Live as Me” is what will help and if you’re looking for a light-reading turn-around, you can’t find much better.

Terri Schlichenmeyer’s reviews of business books are read in more than 260 publications in the U.S. and Canada.