Are Your Goals Cursed? The Hilarious Truth About SMART Goals vs Cursed Aspirations

Let’s get real. How many times have you set a goal that sounded great on paper but ended up as a cosmic joke? You know the type: “I’m going to become a millionaire by next Tuesday,” or “I’ll learn to speak fluent Mandarin by binge-watching Netflix.” These are what I call cursed goals—ambitions so wildly unrealistic or poorly thought out that they might as well be hexed by some mischievous goal-setting gremlin.

Now, contrast that with SMART goals. No, not the kind that make you feel like you’re back in a corporate workshop, but the kind that actually work. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The video we’re unpacking today dives deep into why cursed goals fail spectacularly and how SMART goals can save your sanity and your progress.

Ready for a no-nonsense, slightly sarcastic, and definitely entertaining breakdown? Let’s go.

What Makes a Goal Cursed?

Cursed goals are the bad dates of the goal-setting world. They promise excitement but leave you frustrated, confused, and wondering what just happened. These goals often share some classic traits:

• Vague or grandiose ambitions: “I want to be successful” or “I’ll change the world.” Great, but what does that even mean? Without specifics, you’re chasing a ghost.

• No clear plan or timeline: Saying “someday” or “when I feel ready” is a fast track to nowhere.

• Ignoring reality: Wanting to run a marathon next month when you’ve never jogged more than to catch the bus? That’s cursed.

• Overloading yourself: Trying to do everything at once, like “I’ll lose 20 pounds, learn guitar, and start a business all this week.” Spoiler: You won’t.

  
  

These goals are like those viral TikTok challenges that look fun but end with you face-planting on the floor. They’re exciting to dream about but impossible to execute without a plan.

The SMART Goal Framework: Your Goal’s Best Friend

SMART goals are the antidote to cursed aspirations. They bring clarity and structure, turning your dreams into actionable steps. Here’s the breakdown:

• Specific: Define exactly what you want. Instead of “get fit,” say “run 3 miles without stopping.”

• Measurable: You need a way to track progress. “Save $500” beats “save money.”

• Achievable: Be realistic. Setting a goal that’s too far out of reach sets you up for failure.

• Relevant: Your goal should matter to you. Don’t chase someone else’s dream.

• Time-bound: Deadlines create urgency. “By the end of the month” beats “eventually.”

  
  

Think of SMART goals as your GPS. They tell you where to go, how to get there, and when you should arrive. Without them, you’re just wandering around hoping to stumble upon success.

A clear checklist of SMART goals written neatly on paper

Why Do We Keep Falling for Cursed Goals?

Humans love drama and big dreams. It’s in our nature to want to believe in overnight success, magical transformations, and instant results. Plus, social media doesn’t help. Everyone’s highlight reel screams, “Look at me, I did it!” without showing the years of hard work behind the scenes.

Here’s the kicker: cursed goals often come from a place of impatience or insecurity. We want to prove something—to ourselves or others—fast. So we set goals that sound impressive but lack the groundwork.

Also, there’s a weird cultural obsession with “thinking big” that sometimes means ignoring the small, practical steps that actually get you there. It’s like trying to build a skyscraper without laying a foundation.

Real-Life Examples: Cursed vs SMART Goals

Let’s make this concrete. Imagine two people, Alex and Jamie, both want to improve their health.

• Alex’s cursed goal: “I’m going to lose 30 pounds in two weeks by only eating kale and running 10 miles every day.”

Sounds intense, right? But it’s unrealistic, unsustainable, and likely to end in burnout or injury.

• Jamie’s SMART goal: “I will lose 5 pounds in one month by jogging 3 times a week and cutting out soda.”

Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Jamie’s goal is clear and doable.

Guess who’s more likely to stick with their plan and see results? Spoiler: It’s Jamie.

How to Turn Your Cursed Goals into SMART Goals

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to rescue your goals from the curse:

1. Get specific: Write down exactly what you want.

2. Add numbers: Quantify your goal so you can measure progress.

3. Check reality: Be honest about what you can do right now.

4. Make it yours: Ensure the goal aligns with your values and desires.

5. Set a deadline: Pick a date to aim for.

   
   

For example, instead of “I want to write a book someday,” try “I will write 500 words every day for the next 30 days.”

The Fun Part: Embracing the Process, Not Just the Goal

One of the video’s sharpest points is that goals aren’t magic spells. They’re tools. The real win is in the process—the daily habits, the small wins, the learning from mistakes.

Cursed goals often ignore this. They focus on the end result like it’s a trophy waiting on a pedestal. SMART goals, on the other hand, invite you to enjoy the journey, celebrate progress, and adjust course when needed.

Think of it like cooking. You can’t just throw ingredients in a pot and expect a gourmet meal. You need a recipe, timing, and patience. Goals work the same way.

Challenge Yourself: What’s Your Goal Status?

Before you set your next goal, ask yourself:

• Is this goal specific enough that I could explain it to a stranger in one sentence?

• Can I measure my progress in a way that motivates me?

• Is this goal realistic given my current situation?

• Does this goal truly matter to me, or am I chasing someone else’s idea of success?

• Have I set a clear deadline to keep myself accountable?

  
  

If you hesitated on any of these, your goal might be cursed. Time to rewrite it.

Goals don’t have to be a source of stress or disappointment. With a little honesty and structure, you can turn your ambitions into achievable milestones. Next time you catch yourself dreaming up a cursed goal, remember: smart beats cursed every time.