The Confidence Lie: Why Introverts Can Build Self-Belief Without Faking It

Eli Yeung
Aug 12
4 min read

Updated: Aug 13

An introverted model with scoliosis discovers the brutal truth about confidence that no one talks about.

Man with long hair in a white shirt leans on a blue railing, gazing at the camera with a calm expression. Background is dark blue. Eli Yeung

When My Spine Curved, So Did My Confidence

When I first stepped in front of a camera, my spine curved like a question mark — literally — and so did my confidence.

I am an introvert with scoliosis, trying to build a career in an industry obsessed with perfect symmetry, modelling. You might think I was born confident if you saw me now, smiling on set and speaking on camera. I was not. I used to think: “I am awkward. I am not perfect enough. I cannot do half the things other people do.” These thoughts still creep in.

But the truth cracked my whole worldview: Confidence is not something you are born with; it is a skill you build, one uncomfortable moment at a time. And the best part? Every single skill can be learned.

Confidence for Introverts: Craving the Spotlight Without Losing Yourself

Some people believe being introverted means you hate attention. Not me. I love being a homebody with Netflix and ice cream. I also love stepping into the spotlight. Modelling gave me a way to do both.

Being shy or awkward does not mean you cannot creatively express yourself. You do not have to choose between your introversion and your visibility. Life is too short to hate parts of yourself. Trust me on this.

Fellow spotlight-craving introverts, I see you.

Self-Discovery for Introverts: Navigating the Labyrinth of Your Mind

Your mind is like an Egyptian labyrinth; twisty, layered, and full of hidden chambers. The deeper you explore, the more you discover traits you once disliked becoming your greatest allies.

I have always carried a strong feminine energy, but for years, I admired people with sharp, masculine presences. I thought adopting that energy would make people treat me differently. Sometimes, it worked, but it also felt like wearing shoes two sizes too small. Eventually, I realised the most powerful version of me is the one that feels authentic.

Your biggest struggles are often the training ground for your greatest strengths.

Authenticity and Confidence: Why Your Messy Layers Matter

When I first tried content creation, I chose the glossy “Look at my lifestyle” vibe. It was exhausting. I was performing a curated version of myself that did not feel real.

The turning point came when I began showing the messy layers, the contradictions, and the imperfect angles. Funny enough, those parts resonated the most.

A recent shoot reminded me of this. I worked with a photographer I first met when she was “just” an organiser. It turns out she is also an author. That same day, I met a model who is also a musician and works in film.

Everyone says “niche down”. But why limit yourself to one box when you were born to be a whole gallery?

How to Build Confidence: Four Practical Shifts That Work

Forget the Instagram myth. Forget the idea of “arriving” at some permanent state of confidence.

Here is what actually works:

1. Stop Performing, Start Showing Up: You do not need to be perfect; you just need to be willing to show up as you are.

2. Make Peace with Your Flaws: Your contradictions are part of your magic. I am a shy model, and that is my edge.

3. Track Tiny Wins: Sharing my real thoughts still scares me, but it is easier now than before. That is progress.

4. Learn to Say No: If you say yes to everything out of fear, your subconscious will find ways to rebel. Confidence is knowing your boundaries.

The Confidence Industry Myth: Why It Misleads You

Confidence is not a destination. Research shows that a majority of people who look confident online still feel like impostors offline. The difference is that they have learnt to work with fear instead of waiting for it to disappear.

Confidence is not about never feeling afraid. It is about moving forward even when you are.

The Scenic Route Challenge: 30 Days to Build Self-Belief

Try this for the next 30 days. Simple, but uncomfortable in the best way (As I write this, I am on day 8):

✅ Week 1: Capture one “imperfect” moment each day where you still showed up.

✅ Week 2: Share one honest thought that scares you to say out loud.

✅ Week 3: Do one thing that feels uncomfortable but true to the person you want to become.

✅ Week 4: Reflect on how these small acts have built your courage muscle.

Confidence grows like a muscle with repetition, effort, and rest.

Your Scenic Route Awaits

Life is too short to be lived in someone else’s frame. Be gentle, take the scenic route, and remember: Every rejection is just a redirection.

The world is not waiting for the “perfect” version of you. It awaits your version: messy, brilliant, contradictory, and real.

If you do not know me, oops, it is Eli. I am a model with scoliosis, taking the scenic route and sharing what I learn along the way. See you around the next bend.

P.S. If this made you feel seen, share it. Tag someone who needs it. Post your favourite line with #ScenicRouteConfidence. Somewhere, another shy introvert is scrolling, wondering if they are the only one who feels like this, and your share might be exactly what they need today.

Ready to turn your flaws into superpowers? Drop a comment below and tell me yours.