Arousal is a state of readiness or alertness that all athletes need to perform their best. Goal setting is important for mental preparation and involves setting achievable goals that are broken down into smaller steps to improve performance over time. The SMARTER principle outlines how to set goals in a specific, measurable, adjustable, realistic, time-related, exciting, and recorded manner. Coaches and athletes should work together to establish short and long-term goals using SMARTER for a beginner, weak, able, or advanced performer in their chosen sport.