Houghton and Neck (2006) considered self-leadership a practice of constructive
thought strategy (p. 278). These reflective practices lead to effective self-regulatory
outcomes. People will change their self-perceptions to align them with what they
envision to be appropriate, heightening or possibly lowering their expectations, thereby diluting self-potential (Carver & Scheier, 1998, pp. 60-61). If the individual confronts
challenges through the self-leadership practices of self-talk or mental imagery, the
individual's self-regulation is more confident and capable of overcoming challenges
(Carver & Scheier, 1998, pp. 30-39).