Why is it that when adults grow older they are given the title of old and society lowers any expectations about their abilities? With a this type of label is it any wonder that retirement and waiting for "their dying day" becomes the focus for people in their golden years?

Interestingly Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines the word age as, "one of the stages of life; an advanced stage of life." And fine wine is revered and celebrated for its goodness once it is aged.

This week we heard the story of Diane Nyad swimming from Florida to Cuba. What was striking about the story is that at 60 years old she decided to fulfill a dream that she had not been able to accomplish when she was thirty years old. Diane didn't let age define her. She believe that she could accomplish her dreams and put together a team who would help her to prepare for her mission. She knew the challenges she would be facing, because she had attempted that swim before. But the most important part of Diane’s dream was that she believed in herself and her abilities to make her dream come true.

We all have dreams that we have not yet accomplished and most of us retain a hope that we will accomplish at least one of those dreams in our lifetime.

What is your dream? Do you believe that you can accomplish your dream? What do you need to prepare yourself to embark upon the journey to accomplishing your dream?

1. Before starting any projects the first tool that you will need is a strong belief in yourself.
2. You need a commitment to see the project through to the end.
3. Accepting challenges and obstacles as tools will help to strengthen your will to succeed.
4. Preparation empowers you to succeed and can be a tremendous motivating factor.
5. Planning ahead ensures you are ready for whatever challenges may come your way.
6. Visualization is a key component … You must see yourself at the finish line.

Diana Nyad has shown the baby boomers and even those beyond the boomer years that a positive mind can strengthen an aging body and can make dreams reality.

I challenge every person who reads this article, whether you are age 6 or age 106, to use the power of your mind, and the desires of your heart to accomplish dreams that will make you a hero even if you are the only person who knows of your accomplishment.

Remember, age is only a number and the word old is only a stage of life. Your accomplishments and goals can be achieved at any stage or age. The choice to act is yours.

Thanks to Diana Nyad for reminding us all that we can enjoy the gift of a second chance. We salute you for your strength, your positive mindset and your belief in yourself.

We All Have A Dream, I Have A Dream, And Martin Luther King Had A Dream. Dreams Can Come True.