Confidence in succeeding or failing is a critical
element of self-regulation (Bandura, 1997, p. 36). Manz and Neck (as cited in Houghton
and Neck, 2006, p. 278) found that "positive self-talk and mental imagery strategies are
intended to facilitate optimistic or opportunity-oriented thought patterns which may lead
to greater persistence in the face of challenges and difficulty." Carver and Scheier (as
cited in Houghton and Neck, 2006, p. 278) confirmed, "Self-leadership strategies such as
positive self-talk and mental imagery may increase self-efficacy levels, a primary
determinant of confidence and performance expectancies, potentially leading to more
effective self-regulation and increased performance.