That's not to say you have to be a miserable, awkward git to everyone around you. But if there are people who don't fit your desire to improve, you don't have to hang around with them or tolerate them.
There are a multitude of whiners, moaners, groaners, rumourmongers, gossipers and malicious corrupters in any organisation. These people are toxic. One bad apple can spoil a whole barrel. They also need the company to pour their scorn out onto. They will walk considerable distance to have a good old moan with someone who will sit and listen. Just watch them do it! Their self-esteem is so low, it is impossible for them to keep it to themselves. Misery must seek company.
Don't get sucked into this quagmire. Making a living is hard enough as it is without this drain on your motivation. Besides, these people are going nowhere; they will never gain in rank, so you don't need them.
Instead, hang around with the optimists, the idea-generators and the energetic. This is where important and valuable information and the contacts come from.
Besides, bosses (usually) know only too well who are the doers and who are the malingerers. Hang around with the malingerers and you'll be guilty by association. Hang around with the doers and you'll be part of a valuable network.
How people perceive you is how you really are. If you dress like a slob, they'll think you're a slob; if you speak with firm authority (even though you may be churning inside) you will be perceived as authoritative. If you're perceived as a keen, early starter, that is how you will be considered, regardless of what you are actually up to. If you behave like management material (see Number 5), you'll be perceived as management material.
You should dress as, act as and talk as the position in the company that you wish to be. Get that picture in your mind and start acting it out from today.