If you don’t like it, change it. It won’t be easy. It won’t all happen in a day. But if you work long enough and smart enough, you can change what frustrates you in the world around you.

Let’s be frank.

A lot of what distracts you from achieving the goals you set out for yourself is simply the circumstances and behavior of those around you. Instead of focusing on the key tasks that will lead to your success, you find yourself wrapped up in disappointment and confusion.

Sometimes downright rage.

It doesn’t just have to be business related — school, family members, your community, church, or group of friends can surprise you with distractingly frustrating behavior. And you’re left completely demotivated. Wondering why things happened the way they did and what you can do about it.

But it’s not all bad.

The good news is that this situation is completely within your control. You can change everything — anything for that matter. But before you do, just make sure you really want the change you think you want. Double check that you’re not overreacting or lashing out at the wrong person because of other stress you have in your life at the moment.

It might be you.

If you still want to change the situation, then get started. The fix might be as simple as finding a new group of friends or changing where you work. You might decide to move to a new location or change your faith. You might decide to create a movement around the change you find necessary. Whatever you decide to do, get started with it as quickly as possible. Creating positive momentum is the antidote to the frustration you feel.

Let’s get personal.

If the people around you are the problem, then do whatever it takes to change who’s around you. Negative people will do more to derail your dreams then just about any other circumstance in life. Change that. Even if it means you’re a little less popular for a while.

You’ll be happy later.

Remember, there isn’t anything you can’t change if you’re willing to work hard enough for long enough. That should be all the encouragement you need to go make a difference. Go get started.