Applying the Vienna sausage rule to life

By Ken West
Published: June 30, 2008

When dad took me fishing, my job at lunch was to pull out the Vienna sausages, which were tightly packed in a can.

Usually, it was a struggle. “After the first one is out, the rest are easy,” Dad noted.

This became our Vienna Sausage Rule. At my young age, though, I thought the principle only referred to food.

The next time I heard the rule, I was playing tennis for Wake Forest. Down 3-0 to a player I could beat, my frustration was growing.

Coach Leighton talked to me as I changed sides of the court. “Ken, don’t worry. Once you win your first game, the rest will come easily.”

He was right. Now, I knew the principle also applied to athletics. Once the first shot goes in or the first goal is scored, everything afterwards becomes easier.

Real-life application
Today, I understand the Vienna Sausage Rule applies to every difficult walk of life.

If a big project confronts us, getting started is usually the most difficult challenge. After we grade the first paper, pull the first weed or clean out the first box in the attic, we are on our way. The rest is
easier.

When working with children, this principle can be helpful. For example, public speaking can be a nightmare for anyone. In lists of people’s greatest fears, public speaking is frequently ranked second behind the fear of death. The first time children are faced with giving a speech in public, they might feel overwhelmed.

You can help them. Listen to the speech. Advise them to give the speech while looking in a mirror or while imagining an audience is present. Of course, until they pull the first Vienna sausage out of the can by actually giving the speech, nothing will settle their nerves.

Standing up for a controversial cause requires similar courage. Whether it involves politics, religion or heated social issues, the first time you let your voice be heard is the hardest. After you first stand up for what you believe and realize that you can handle the criticism you will inevitably face, then surrendering your neutrality will be easier the next time
. Personal and academic issues
Admitting one needs help is difficult. To admit we are not perfect and cannot make needed changes on our own throws us into turmoil. The Vienna Sausage Rule once again applies.

The first time you pick up the phone to ask for help is the hardest. “I have a drinking problem, and I cannot handle it on my own.” “My marriage is rocky, but I absolutely love my spouse. Can we talk to you?” “My teenager and I are having serious issues. I want to sign up for your parent education class.”

In academics, some children become totally discouraged in certain subjects. Sometimes, they have a learning disability and, at others, they have simply failed too frequently and are discouraged. As a result, they believe that they cannot succeed, no matter how hard they try. Therefore, they quit working entirely so they do not expose their weaknesses to the world. “Nothing ventured. Nothing lost.”

In the case of a child’s extreme discouragement, parents and teachers must encourage children until they have the courage to try pulling out the first Vienna sausage. Avoid using negative labels, such as “lazy” or “slow.”

Applause, please
When children pull out that first Vienna sausage and actually do some of their homework or study for a test, be ready to applaud their effort. “Good for you. You showed courage tackling those math problems.” “I’m so pleased you turned in a poem. That is terrific.”

The Vienna Sausage Rule is helpful in any difficult area of life. Once you get the first one out, the rest come out more easily.