Never lower your standards because those around you have. It's easy to start showing up late to work, reduce your productivity or have a negative attitude if people around you are doing the same thing. Remember, everything you do is a reflection upon YOU. Are you going to represent brand YOU or follow the crowd? Maintain a positive attitude and do the things you know you need to do. Stay productive, focused, courteous and organized. In other words, stay true to yourself. Eventually it will be recognized. If the work it takes to be those things outweighs the long term benefits, it may be time to find something or a someplace for which you have more of a passion.
What do you think? I know it's hard to be positive all the time. What suggestions do you have? Is there anything you would like to add?