I believe that our environment is pre-determined, we do not have control over that, you are born in a nation, with a religion and with parents, that you do not choose. But your mind is yours to keep , we can make choices that slowly shift our physical environment like a slow ship at sea, until eventually we gradually change. Change is never instant, that's why ex-alcoholics might relapse, but they eventually end up in a situation better than the one they were beforehand due to their psychological attempt to use their free will.