Pexers, please help with me with this problem...Can I rise up from this?

I belong to the social bottom in my organization. I have been a laughingstock for 4 years. I have 3 true friends who accept me for I am, though.

One Good Samaritan finally told me all my social flaws and defects, and told me how people have been making fun of me while I am not present, and how some sneer.

I decided to improve on all of those flaws and defects as best as I can. Two weeks, and there is already a huge difference. Syempre, I decided to start with the more obvious things like the way I eat (di na parang baboy kumain), from sloppy manner of dressing up to slick, my posture to a more confident posture, etc.

But before the Good Samaritan left the office, he said, "Even if you improve on all of your flaws and defects, it will take at least 1 year and a few months for the people in the office to change their mind about you. For they already have a picture of you ingrained in them for years."

Medyo nadepress ako dun. So pexers, tingin niyo hindi ako makakarise from being a social bottom/outcast until 1 year? Ano pa ang mga pwede kong gawin? Please help me with honesty. Thank you.