A New Year's Resolution I'll Actually Keep!

It’s that time of year again when, with great intentions, we’ll make New Year’s resolutions. Yet, most of us won’t keep them.  An entry on Wikipedia even claims only 12 percent of people keep their New Year’s resolutions.  Why?  Because people try to make too many big changes, too quickly. 

So for 2009, I have just one fairly simple resolution, based upon what I’ve learned from observing others here at Frito-Lay for so many years:  Be more optimistic. I say “more” optimistic because I feel I’m a fairly optimistic guy to begin with, although there is plenty of room for improvement – after all, I was a lawyer. 

Being optimistic is powerful because it leads to action and self-confidence.  Whenever I feel myself slipping, I force myself to remember that the successful leaders I’ve worked alongside at Frito-Lay share one common trait – they’re all optimistic. 

Dwight Riskey, former Frito-Lay Chief Marketing Officer, is my original role model.  In the late 1980s Dwight believed that a multigrain chip could be a winner with consumers.  Our original multigrain chip was called Prontos.  Even though it did not do well in test markets, Dwight worked with R&D to modify the product, always maintaining a sense of optimism.  They added a touch of sweetness to the test recipe, and SunChips was born. After conducting tests in four new markets, he earned the capital funding needed to launch the brand nationally. 

Today SunChips is one of the best new food brands we’ve launched in the last 20 years, and Frito-Lay’s face to the world on sustainability, as one of our plants that produces SunChips uses the power of the sun to make them. Really!  Access Facebook to learn more about the SunChips produced via solar power in Modesto.

Now, being optimistic doesn’t mean that you’re unrealistic.  And being optimistic is no guarantee for success, although there is medical evidence that optimism leads to happiness and better health.  But the alternative is far worse.  Because of my experience and watching others, I’m passionate in my belief that not being optimistic is a surefire guarantee for failure. 

Dwight’s optimistic nature is a testament to my position, and good indication that if I stay committed to optimism in 2009, I will continue to find success. Let me know what you think of my New Year’s resolution, or if you have other resolutions to share.

Comments

[Jennifer]

I think that it is a fabulous New Year's resolution! Not only has being optimistic helped you succeed but has had a trickle down affect to your children and probably your colleagues. I am a little biased - I am Dave's daughter-in-law - but can attest to his positive attitude and all of the many wonderful things it has brought him in his life. Being optimistic is always the best way to go for yourself, your health, and the people around you!

[Jessica lomeli]

dear fritolay
I just bought some original fritolay chips and I had a good thought why dosent your company make fritolays with sour cream added on.if people don't have sour cream on hand it all ready have it in the chip. well I do hope that I get to see those chips in store soon. thank you a fritolay customer.