When Helen Mirren visited the Top Gear show to do a lap around their test track, she described the experience as “terrifying,” “nerve-wracking,” “adrenaline pumping,” “sweat making,” and ultimately, “fabulous!”

So, perhaps it’s no surprise that in a recent interview with The Mirror, Dame Helen Mirren said that one of her biggest ambitions is to be a driver in one of the upcoming Fast and Furious films. She said, “My great ambition is to be in a Fast and Furious movie… I keep putting it out there, and they never ask me. I’ll be in Fast and Furious 8!”

Whether she is serious or not, what I love about Mirren is her attitude to life. At 69, she is challenging stereotypes and showing that age is just a number. From breaking stereotypes about sex after 60 to tackling the question of intimacy vs. independence, Helen Mirren is living life on her terms. So should we all!

Of course, as an A-list star, Helen Mirren’s life is different than most of ours. At the same time, her energy, passion and charm are attributes that we can all aspire to. People like Helen Mirren ask us to question our own assumptions about aging.

What Crazy Goals Will You Set this Year?

Every day, we are bombarded with aging stereotypes. Older characters on TV and in movies are portrayed as being slow, forgetful and grumpy. Society tells us that retirement age is approaching and we should be getting ready to “age gracefully.”

Whether you are in your 50s or 60s, now is the time to pursue your passions. Ask yourself what crazy goals you want to accomplish this year. Push yourself beyond what you think is possible. Ignore the nay-sayers and pursue your own happiness with passion and diligence.

Be like Helen Mirren and put your foot on the gas. The road ahead is long and winding. Wouldn’t you rather be driving a sports car than a 1971 Ford Pinto?

Check out Helen Mirren’s Top Gear lap. Then, let’s start a conversation!

What are your big goals for this year and the decades ahead? Do you agree that, no matter where we are in life, we owe it to ourselves to follow our dreams? Are you a Helen Mirren fan? Please join the conversation.