You are exceedingly dangerous when you have nothing to hide and nothing to lose. We have nailed a few areas of life, but we have all failed to reach perfection in every domain. The quicker we recognize this reality, the quicker we will have the freedom to embrace who we really are. When we accept our failings and shortcomings and abandon the pursuit of measuring up, we are dangerous. Today, a sermon reminded me of this truth. My temptation is to try to hide from my shortcomings and failures, living life on the defense. Businessman and hustler, Gary Vaynerchuk, said; "the moment I accept all my shortcoming is the second my life goes on the offense." The ability to stand up and say, these are the areas I am weak and need support, negates the power from any accuser. Since we know our own little secrets, we can inform the accuser that it is actually worse than they know.

The pursuit of excellence is assumed, however, to believe mastery of all things is folly. This understanding thrusts freedom to be ourselves firmly in our grasp. I will never be a great mathematician or an electrical engineer, however twisting words into a story is something I can do. As a self-aware being, you can step forward boldly and challenge the status quo, knowing you have nothing to hide. This pursuit has radically changed the man I have become over the past 18 months. I have not completed this journey, but I am far different than I was. Trying to master all things and be everything to everyone has been exhausting and stunted development of my best work.

Owning your shortcomings makes you dangerous; you can speak-up at the weekly meeting, pitch you idea to the marketing executive, raise your hand in class to ask or answer a question, share your faith with your neighbor, start an online business, step into leadership in the local government or even start a blog asking questions. You won't be bulletproof, but when the trolls provide comments, you can smile and say "if you only knew". Embrace your shortcomings dangerous one.

What are your strengths? What are your shortcomings? How have you shrunk back from the limelight due to shortcomings? How would you be different if you didn't fear your shortcomings being exposed? Where do you want to make a difference? How will you be dangerous? What did I miss?