Beware of the “Energy Vampire”

WARNING! There’s a 21st century Vampire out there … alive … and omni-present … and stalking YOU. Seriously. I’m not talking about myth or folklore.nnThis 21st century Vampire, much like the fictional Count Dracula created by writer Bram Stoker in 1897, lures victims by exuding charm, charisma and often sophisticated and engaging communication tactics. But he’s not literally a blood sucker. These initial strategies only mask the Vampire’s real intent and “true-self.” nnIt doesn’t even have to be dark or late at night for this contemporary fiend to appear. You may have even met him recently at an early morning chamber meeting, a family barbeque, or at your local food store. (Important Note: This Vampire is not gender specific.)nnOnce you become aware of his specific characteristics and traits, it seems like these demons are everywhere. nnDracula sucks. The 19th century Count Dracula sucked the life and blood out of his victims to become rejuvenated.nnAnd so does the modern monster. But with the 21st century Vampire you won’t loose a drop of the liquid running through your veins. Today’s Dracula is much more sophisticated and takes the process one step further. He gets rejuvenated by sucking what I think of as the lifeblood of success out of his victims.nnThe Vampire stalking you - and me - sucks the Energy out of his victims.nnNo cape, no fangs. The modern day monster doesn’t use his long white fangs to slurp a victim’s blood for energy. You won’t spot him by his long, swooping cape. No … he’s way too smooth for that.nnHe uses words, stories and gossip. If you allow him to hang around you long enough you will surely die a slow and painful death.nnOr worse: You may even become one of them!nnThe ultimate goal of the Energy Vampire is to feel better by making you feel worse — to recruit you into his dark world of negativity, blame and excuses.nnI know you’ve seen an Energy Vampire before; you may even work or live with one. But because they move among us even in daylight just like ordinary folks, they sometimes accomplish their dastardly deed before we even notice them.nnOnly one thing can save you. I’ve come up with twenty-six characteristics (although I’m certain there are more) to help you identify an Energy Vampire. I encourage you to become acutely sensitive to the words and actions that identify an Energy Vampire, so you can get away from them as quickly as possible.nnnHere are the 26 characteristics of an Energy Vampire.n

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1. They don’t smile sincerely.n
2. They never belly laugh.n
3. They show up late.n
4. They are always complaining.n
5. They gossip using 3rd party references. (my aunt said)n
6. They very rarely volunteer (unless it makes them look good).n
7. They always look for short cuts.n
8. They always feel entitled.n
9. They are ignorant.n
10. They thrive on chaos.n
11. They create chaos.n
12. They like arguing.n
13. They think they’re always right.n
14. They’re unappreciative.n
15. They’re rude.n
16. They’re aloof.n
17. They’re always complaining.n
18. They spend time scheming instead of enjoying life.n
19. They immediately point out the negative.n
20. They compare.n
21. They are quick to criticize.n
22. They are paranoid.n
23. They do not trust others (because they don’t trust themselves).n
24. They seek first to be understood, before they understand.n
25. They literally suck the life and enthusiasm out of everyone they meet.n
26. They immediately make any room brighter — by leaving. n

nSo now you have some guidelines for spotting the Energy Vampire. But there’s one additional, critical thing you need to know about their evil ways:nnThey suck you in. They have the ability to convince you that they will leave their dark, negative world - if only you’ll get deeply involved with them. So you may feel it is your calling in life to “save” every Energy Vampire you encounter. You may feel compelled to convert them into a positive person. Believe me, they have the ability to fool you, even if only for a short time, and then “BANG!” — you’ve been bitten. nnACTION IDEA: I’m a positive guy, a motivational speaker; some even say I’m an eternal optimist. (I like to think so.) But I do everything in my power to stay away from Energy Vampires. I encourage you to do the same.nnYour two most important assets are your body (temple) and your mind. Everything you allow into either of the two, affects the essence of who you are and what you become.nnIDEA IN ACTION: You don’t have to wear garlic around your neck to ward off “Energy Vampires.” You only need to wear a smile on your face.nnThe last word: In the definitive movie Dracula, the actor Bela Lugosi told us: “I have never met a vampire personally, but I don’t know what might happen tomorrow.” You’ve been warned.