October is one of my favorite months, perhaps because that's when I get to blow out my birthday candles and celebrate another successful year. Who doesn't love birthdays?

My age is irrelevant; in fact, I subscribe to the iconic comedian Jack Benny's philosophy. He turned 39 in 1933, and remained that age until his death in 1974. I've been 39 for a few years now, and it just keeps getting better.

As a constant advocate for lifelong learning, I am directing the advice in this column not only to those who have years of job experience, but also to those who are just getting started in the work world, and everyone in between.

Here's what I want everyone to repeat after me: Your age does not dictate your ability to accomplish. Reaching your retirement years does not mean you are finished contributing to society. Let me give you a few examples of people who refused to "act their age":

Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, the designer of the first nuclear submarine, was still a consultant to the Navy at the age of 82.

American artists Grandma Moses and Georgia O'Keeffe both continued to paint well past the age of 90. Russian artist Marc Chagall was designing stained glass windows for churches in many parts of the world at age 90.

Frank Lloyd Wright, considered one of the greatest modern American architects, created an entirely original concept of architecture when he was well past the age of 90. Wright was fond of saying: "Youth is a quality, and if you have it, you never lose it."

George Bernard Shaw, Irish dramatist, was still working on a play at the age of 94 when his prolific life ended prematurely due to complications from a fall.

Giuseppe Verdi continued to compose operas as well when he was in his 80s. He created a retirement home for musicians.

Arthur Rubinstein gave a concert at Carnegie Hall at age 90. He was almost blind and unable to read the notes. Nevertheless, he played with his usual perfection. Afterward, he was heard to remark, "The music is in my mind."

Albert Schweitzer was an outstanding German organist and philosopher who created a new life in Africa for the underprivileged. He was a physician, a clergyman and an expert in music. He was active until age 90.

Robert Frost, nearly 87, read his poem, "The Gift Outright" at the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy in 1961.

Perhaps you detected a theme here -- many of these highly accomplished people were creative types who were not bound by the traditional expectations of retirement. I wonder if there is a correlation.

Regardless of your vocation, I strongly encourage you to never stop using your talents and abilities. Even if you are looking forward to leaving the workforce at some point, you have marvelous opportunities to leave your mark on the world.

Most of us are familiar with the myth of the phoenix, a bird of great beauty that was found in the Arabian Desert. There was only one, and it lived for hundreds of years. When it sensed that it was about to die, it built its own funeral pyre, lighted it by fanning its wings, then flew into the fire and arose young again from the ashes.

The phoenix came to be associated with the sun god, who disappeared as an old man each night and appeared as a child the following morning. For centuries, the phoenix has become a symbol of rebirth and renewal.

Historian Arnold Toynbee shared this reflection on life at the age of 81: "As one grows older, the temptation to dwell on the past and to avert one's eyes from the future grows. If one were to fall into this backward-looking stance, one would be as good as dead before physical death had overtaken us. Our minds, so long as they keep their cutting edge, are not bound by our physical limits; they can range over time and space into infinity. To be human is to be capable of transcending oneself."

Mackay's Moral: No matter how many birthdays I've had, I haven't hit my peak yet.

"You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Truer words were never spoken. Oftentimes, first impressions determine whether you will even get to make a second impression.

We can all recall first meetings that we wish we'd handled differently. What did we learn from those experiences?

Psychology Today magazine gives a few pointers for getting off to a good start when you're just meeting someone.

When you're having a conversation with someone you're meeting for the first time, you should encourage the other person to talk about him- or herself instead of trying to make yourself the center of attention. For example, the person you're conversing with is telling you about a trip he or she just took, and that brings to mind a trip when you got terrible service. You think it's a great story, but experts warn that you should think before you open your mouth to share such anecdotes. When you meet someone, you don't know what kind of impression this type of story will leave.

Also, try to mask any anxiety if you can. If you have the jitters or talk too fast, you might cause the other person to roll his or her eyes at you. Again, try to keep the focus on the other person, but be careful that you don't come off as an interrogator rather than a conversationalist.

What if you are meeting someone for the first time when you are in a bad mood? Experts suggest you fake your way through the experience. But isn't it better to be honest and be yourself? No, they say, because when you are first meeting someone, instead of seeing this as just a passing mood for you, the person may incorrectly conclude that you tend to be a negative person. See if you can find something positive to talk about. If not, apologize for your temporary trouble and hope the other person will give you the benefit of the doubt.

First impressions never count more than during a job interview. A recent CareerBuilder.com survey of over 2,700 hiring managers uncovered some common mistakes -- and a few humorous stories.

Asked what kind of no-nos they'd witnessed during interviews, the hiring managers named these blunders:

-- Inappropriate attire.

-- Boredom or lack of interest.

-- Criticizing a current or previous employer.

-- Arrogant attitude.

-- Answering a cellphone or texting during the interview.

-- Vague answers.

-- Not asking good questions.

The winners/losers in the "Hall of Shame" category included:

-- One candidate wore a business suit and flip-flops.

-- A job-seeker asked if the interviewer wanted to meet later for a drink.

-- The candidate who applied for an accounting job said he was "bad at managing money."

-- A candidate for a customer service job told the interviewer, "I don't really like working with people."

-- One person had to leave because his dog had gotten loose in the parking lot.

-- A job-seeker spent the entire interview staring at the ceiling.

Much of a first impression is based on your body language. If you want to be seen as a leader right away, show that you mean business in a firm and friendly manner: -- Raise your eyebrows briefly upon meeting someone. It's a subtle, powerful signal that conveys a positive impression, and it takes just one-fifth of a second.

-- Eye contact sends the signal that you're interested in what other people are saying. Just be careful not to cross the line and stare, as that would make you seem confrontational.

-- Return handshakes appropriately. Keep in mind that a limp handshake signals a wimpy image, and a crushing grip seems overly aggressive.

-- Stand tall. Good posture says you're self-assured and trustworthy.

I can honestly say I have almost never hired anyone who made a bad first impression on me. Sure, I believe in second chances, but I also have to consider what kind of first impression that person would make on my customers. If a candidate makes a bad impression on me, would my customers have the same feeling?

Whether you are looking for a job, meeting a customer for the first time, being introduced to your future in-laws or getting acquainted with your new neighbors, don't just put your best foot forward, let them see your best self.

Mackay's Moral: First impressions are lasting impressions.

The famed aerialist the Great Zumbrati once walked a shaky tightrope across Niagara Falls despite a gusty wind that almost caused him to lose his footing. He was very relieved to have made it safely across. Waiting for him on the other side was a fan with a wheelbarrow.

"I believe you could walk back across pushing this wheelbarrow," the fan said.

Zumbrati shook his head and said he was lucky to have made it across without a wheelbarrow.

"But I know you can do it," the fan persisted. "Just give it a try."

Zumbrati shook his head again, but the fan kept after him.

Finally, Zumbrati said, "You really believe in me, don't you?"

"Oh, I do," said the fan.

"OK then," said Zumbrati, "get into the wheelbarrow and we'll start."

Now that's commitment: Knowing what needs to be done, setting goals to get to that point, and following through.

The lazy, hazy days of summer are behind us. Folks are back from vacation, kids are back in school, schedules get back to some semblance of normal. With a little luck, that translates into fewer work disruptions and more opportunities to get things done.

So it's a logical time to review your goals for the year and see where you stand. If you're on track, it's time to reinforce your ongoing effort with a renewed enthusiasm for the project or goal. If you've still got a long way to go, or even if you have to start all over again, remember that you still have several months until the year's end, and success remains within your grasp.

Looming deadlines are a great incentive to accomplishment. What seemed like a cinch a few months ago might look a lot more daunting, but don't let that get in your way. Make your to-do list and get going.

Success depends on your commitment to your goals, whatever those goals may be. To evaluate your ability to commit, ask yourself these important questions:

-- Can you accept people for what they are, not as you'd like them to be? To work with the people around you, put away your prejudices and judgments so you can focus on what's important. Their strengths are what are important now. Get over yourself.

-- Can you put other people's needs ahead of your own? It's a paradox, but you can reach your own goals more easily by helping your collaborators accomplish theirs. They have goals and ambitions, too, and will be more likely to work with you if you cooperate.

-- Do you know what you're great at? A thorough, honest knowledge of what you do better than most people is essential to making the right choices about where to put your energy. Others have most likely identified your strong points; make sure they agree with your self-evaluation.

-- What gets in the way of your ability to do your job? What other problems or projects are occupying time that you could be dedicating to your goals? Once you understand what is eating up your most valuable resource -- time -- you can more easily refocus your efforts on accomplishing your goals.

-- What tools or training would help you? If you are lacking equipment or know-how, chances are you can't see the goal through to the end. If your organization is truly committed to achievement, the necessary tools must be available.

-- Are you excited about your goals? If you're not really excited by what you're trying to do, your commitment won't be very strong. But if the project is worth doing, get your head in the game and play to win.

-- Are you planning ahead for next year's goals? Accomplishing this year's plan will have a significant impact on future achievement, company morale and perhaps the viability of your organization.

-- Can you be completely honest with yourself? You can't afford to fool yourself about your strengths, weaknesses and potential. If you need help, either from within your organization or from outside, now is the time to get a plan together.

One terrific resource you might want to consider is a virtual training program, "Goals Mastery for Personal and Financial Achievement," offered by sales and training guru Brian Tracy. His 12-part video training course covers personal goal setting, purpose in life, overcoming adversity and a variety of pertinent topics. Check it out by going to briantracy.com and searching for "goals mastery." I guarantee Brian's advice will inspire you to commit to your goals -- and commit to success.

Mackay's Moral: Don't "fall" down on your goals; commit to a season of success.