CERTIFICATION
Inspirational Words to Guide You
you meet the challenges that lie ahead,
remember the four anchors that will lead
you to continued success.
1. The Anchor of Confidence—Master
the Basics
In life, which includes one’s profession, set
a foundation that embraces developing
values, character and skills. One’s belief
system, education and training will provide
the means for casting this anchor.
Secondly, in Fear Not Promise Book
(Thomas Nelson, 2009), by Max Lucado,
I ran across a passage that has meant a
great deal to me and that I feel provides a
great tool for overcoming fear. I changed it
somewhat to suit my particular needs, and
I challenge you to similarly apply it to your
professional and personal life.
Guggenmos
As I pass the gavel to incoming Certification
Commission Chair Derek Spendlove,
CEPC, CCE, AAC, I wanted to share two
passages that have inspired me in both
my professional and personal lives. I also
relied on these affirmations in guiding the
commission in laying a valuable foundation.
Overcoming fear
Fear never wrote a symphony or a poem.
Fear never cooked a great meal.
Fear never negotiated a peace treaty or
cured a disease.
Fear never pulled anyone out of poverty.
Fear never saved a business or a marriage.
Faith and courage did that.
First, I offer the analogy of anchors, which
is based on the fact that if you are to
secure a boat during a hurricane, you must
take the boat out into the stormy waters
and throw four anchors with enough
slack to ride out the surges and wind. As
2. The Anchor of Endurance—Master
the Challenges
It is inevitable that the foundation is
challenged. Difficulties, disappointments and
the constant testing of one’s skills are part
of life. Develop a rugged, uncompromising
determination to finish the course and stand
on the foundation developed. Too often, we
simply quit when the going gets rough. The
anchor of endurance will prevent us from
falling into this trap.
Faith in people.
Faith in one’s profession.
Most importantly, faith in God.
Courage under stress did that.
Fear hurls us into prison and shuts the door.
Faith and courage will break down that door
and set us free.
People who refuse to cower to their fear will
overcome.
The American Culinary Federation
Certification Commission, being an
autonomous entity within ACF, is
committed to developing, implementing
and monitoring a validated process of
globally recognized certifications based
on skills, knowledge, integrity and equality
through an achievable process for all
culinary professionals.
Certification
Commission Mission
Statement
3. The Anchor of Renewal—Master
the Unknown
One also needs to be willing to explore the
unknown. Get out of your comfort zone.
Travel, try new techniques, meet new people,
realize and engage in new opportunities
while maintaining one’s values.
4. The Anchor of Grace—Master the
Human Heart
The final anchor challenges us to simply
give back to others. Pass on your values,
knowledge and skills. Mentor someone,
and unlock the riches inside the people
entrusted to you. “What we have done for
ourselves alone dies with us; what we have
done for others and the world remains and
is immortal.” Albert Pike (1809-1891)
Feel free to use these words of wisdom to
guide you. These are my guiding forces;
you may already have your own quotes and
messages that inspire you. The important
thing is to find something you believe in
and make it your own. Use it to answer
questions and give direction when faced with
challenges or obstacles in your life. Throw out
your four anchors and overcome fear.
Karl Guggenmos, AAC, is past chair of the
ACF Certification Commission.
