Alesha Dixon, 40, revealed just a couple of weeks ago she suffers with imposter syndrome. Despite turning heads with her fierce looks and personality, the star isn’t always as confidence as she may appear. “I’ve definitely been crippled by fear,” she told the Mirror in April. “At school I was a contradiction. Outwardly, I was a confident, brave individual who went for it and was unafraid.
I always had a niggle in my brain, moment of self-doubt which made me question my abilities
Alesha Dixon
“But inside, I always had a niggle in my brain, a moment of self-doubt which made me question my abilities.”
Alesha experienced a bout of imposter syndrome crisis when she took a seat on the judging panel of Strictly Come Dancing in 2009, having previously been a contestant.
She said: “I wouldn’t have said yes to the job if I didn’t think I could do it, but when it was announced I was joining the judging the panel there as so much negative feedback and I really started to question myself.”
One of the things Alesha has found most helpful though is telling herself she’s not afraid to fail, particularly when it comes to new ventures.
She added: “When I go to an audition for an acting role, I’m out of my comfort zone so I have self doubt, but I’ve managed to get to the point where I’m not afraid to be told no or for something not to work.
“Now I see it as an opportunity to learn rather than it being a negative – the things that are the making of you are the moment when you are most challenged.
“I’ve always had strong instincts with have been a good guide for me, and while I’ve definitely been crippled by fear, I don’t allow that fear to stop me from trying – and that’s the most important thing.”
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome is an overwhelming fear of becoming a failure, according to AXA PPP Healthcare’s Director of Psychological Services, Dr Mark Winwood.
It can also be a 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, says Dr Winwood.
He adds: “It’s important not to let self-doubt exacerbate our fear of failure, which may overwhelm us or crush our confidence.
“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.”
To take on imposter feelings, Dr Winwood encourages people to be TRUE – Talk, Remind, Use and Evaluate.
T – Talk to a supportive friend colleague or family member – don’t keep your fears to yourself.
R – Remind yourself of your successes, document them and be inspired by your achievement.
U – Use evidence to dispute and diffuse your inner bully.
E – Evaluate how you’ve overcome imposter moments and share your learnings with others.
Another Britain’s Got Talent judge who has spoken about their health in the past is Simon Cowell.
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