Time Vampires are listed in the Urban Dictionary as “a person who finds creative ways to needlessly waste his/her friends time” and “someone who literally sucks your time like a vampire sucks blood”.
In this definition, people are taking time from you.
I came across an interesting article that flips the responsibility from the Time Vampire to the one who’s time is being stolen. The article title caught my attention – “Hey Got a Second? How to Stop Being an Interruption Magnet”.
This article suggests that we allow others to be Time Vampires in our lives. We let them in as a form of procrastination or as a demonstration of not setting good boundaries.
Solutions presented included blocking work time without interruptions, turning off notifications, resisting the urge to check email every 5 minutes, and protecting your own priorities for the day.
My Story
Over the years, I have felt the impact of Time Vampires. Sometimes the vampire was a person. Other times, the vampire was the internet, a book, email, or some other non-living challenge.
What I find great about the idea of an interruption magnet is that it highlights what I can do to minimize the impact of interruptions.
I want to stress the word minimize because I also believe that you can go too far and never be available for others. Sometimes urgent events deserve attention, spontaneous connection can lead to interesting new ideas.
Finding the right balance between boundaries and open time can make all the difference.
Your Turn
Are your days filled with Time Vampires?
Does it help put you more in control to consider if you are an Interruption Magnet?
What strategies might help you minimize the impact and set some boundaries?