"I'll never try to put on a fake image. I'm just Zac."

Zac is all about authenticity. That’s the core of his message. He’s saying he doesn’t want to pretend to be someone he’s not; he’s just himself, plain and simple. It’s a commitment to being genuine and true to one’s own character, regardless of external pressures or expectations.

Historically, the need for authenticity has been around forever, but it feels especially relevant today. Social media, for example, often pushes us to curate perfect versions of our lives. Zac’s message is a refreshing reminder to resist that urge and stay true to who we really are. Imagine you're at a high school reunion, where everyone is trying to impress with their job titles and achievements. Zac’s approach would be to show up and be himself, whether he’s a CEO or a barista.

Take a look at Tom Hanks. He’s a great example of someone famous who stays true to himself. Despite his massive success, he’s known for being down-to-earth and relatable. He doesn’t put on airs or act like he’s better than anyone else. Remember that time he crashed a wedding photo shoot in Central Park? He didn’t need to do that for publicity; he did it because he’s genuinely a nice guy who appreciates life’s small moments.

So, how do you apply Zac’s wisdom? Start by being honest with yourself about who you are and what you value. Don’t try to mold yourself into someone else’s expectations. It can be tempting to embellish or exaggerate aspects of your life to fit in or seem more impressive, especially on social media. Resist that urge. Instead, share your real experiences, including the ups and downs. People connect with authenticity because it’s relatable and real.

Let’s say you're starting a new job. It’s easy to feel like you need to impress your colleagues and boss. But rather than pretending you know everything, admit when you need help or don’t understand something. Ask questions. Be genuine about your strengths and areas where you need to grow. This approach not only helps you learn faster but also builds trust and respect among your coworkers.

Picture this scenario: You’re at a party, and you meet someone who’s clearly trying to impress everyone. They’re name-dropping, talking about their fancy car, and bragging about their exotic vacations. But then you meet someone else who’s just being themselves. They’re not trying to impress you—they’re just sharing stories about their dog, their favorite books, and a recent hiking trip. Who do you think you'd want to spend more time with? The second person, right? That’s the power of authenticity. It’s magnetic.

In the end, Zac’s message is a call to embrace who we are, without the masks and pretenses. It’s about being comfortable in our own skin and letting our true selves shine through. So next time you’re tempted to put on a fake image, think of Zac and remember—it’s always better to just be you.