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’s been diagnosed with imposter syndrome. The condition causes an overwhelming feeling of self-doubt, as well as fear of becoming exposed as a fraud.
I always had a niggle in my brain, moments of self-doubt which made me question my abilities
Alesha Dixon
Alesha revealed that she has been crippled by fear, and she’s had moments of doubt that made her question her abilities.
She isn’t always as confident as what her audience may believe, she said.
These feelings of self-doubt and fear are synonymous with the symptoms of imposter syndrome.
“At school I was a contradiction,” said Alesha. “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.”
She began to doubt her abilities after being offered a role as a judge on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, she said.
“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.”
Common imposter syndrome symptoms include worrying that you won’t live up to expectations, and avoiding extra responsibilities.
It could also lead to low self-confidence, a fear of failure, and thinking you need to work harder than everybody else.
It’s normal to have a sense of self-doubt from time-to-time. But constant negative internal talk can give rise to a heightened sense of fear.
“It’s important not to let self-doubt exacerbate our fear of failure, which may overwhelm us or crush our confidence,” said AXA PPP Healthcare’s Director of Psychological Services, Dr Mark Winwood.
“Instead, own your fears – use them as a positive, motivating force. Channel your fear into situations that daunt you and push yourself.”
If you’re worried that you may have imposter syndrome, you can reduce your symptoms by being TRUE, he said.
• 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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