Alesha Dixon, 40, will be appearing on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent once more this evening, as the judges continue their nationwide search for someone to perform at the Royal Variety Performance. She started her career as part of the group Mis-Teeq in 2001, but has since starred as a judge on The X Factor, as well as a dancer on Strictly Come Dancing. But Alesha has recently revealed that she has Imposter Syndrome. What is Imposter Syndrome, and what are the signs and symptoms that you should be looking out for?
I always had a niggle in my brain, moments of self-doubt which made me question my abilities
Alesha Dixon
Alesha has revealed that she’s been crippled by fear, and she isn’t always as confidently as what the audience may believe.
She’s had moments of self-doubt that made her question her abilities, she said.
These feelings of self-doubt, as well as a fear of being exposed for those feelings, are common signs of Imposter Syndrome.
“At school I was a contradiction. Outwardly, I was a confident, brave individual who went for it and was unafraid,” she told the Mirror.
“But inside, I always had a niggle in my brain, moments of self-doubt which made me question my abilities.”
The condition reared it’s head when she was offered the role as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, she added.
“I could have spent three years on that panel feeling like an imposter, feeling insecure, but you only get one life and I realised there was no point wasting it by questioning whether I should be there or not.”
But, working out practical ways to overcome the syndrome makes the condition easier to live with, she said.
Imposter Syndrome is an overwhelming fear of becoming a failure, said AXA PPP Healthcare’s Director of Psychological Services, Dr Mark Winwood.
It’s also the fear of being found out as a fake, despite evidence proving you’re successful and capable.
While it’s normal to have a voice of self-doubt from time-to-time, negative internal talk can give rise to a heightened sense of fear, that can stifle your chances of success, he said.
“It’s important not to let self-doubt exacerbate our fear of failure, which may overwhelm us or crush our confidence,” said Linwood.
Alesha Dixon in pictures
Britain’s Got Talent judged Alesha Dixon in pictures.
Alesha Dixon flaunts her figure as she relaxes on a tropical island
“Instead, own your fears – use them as a positive, motivating force. Channel your fear into situations that daunt you and push yourself.
“Ask ‘what’s the worst that can happen?’ and go for it, with a more resilient mind-set and a stronger business.”
If you’re worried that you may have Imposter Syndrome, you can reduce your symptoms by being TRUE, he added.
• Talk to a supportive friend, colleague or family member – don’t keep your fears to yourself
• Remind yourself of your successes, document them and be inspired by your achievements
• Use evidence to dispute and diffuse your inner bully
• Evaluate how you’ve overcome imposter moments and share your learnings with others
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