Encouragement spurs success. It’s the power of self-confidence and self-esteem, and it works even when that encouragement comes from oneself.A study published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise had 72 tennis players take part in five rounds of play: one baseline assessment, three training sessions, and a final round. Researchers divided the players into two groups. Although both groups followed the same training program, only the experimental one was asked to practice self-talk.By the final assessment, the experimental group demonstrated heightened self-confidence and reduced anxiety. The self-talkers also improved their game.