If you can’t get rid of the skeleton in your closet, you’d best teach it to dance.

This quote is a metaphorical way of saying that if you can’t eliminate or hide your past mistakes, shortcomings, or secrets (the “skeleton in your closet”), you should instead learn to accept them and even use them to your advantage (“teach it to dance”). It suggests that we all have aspects of our past or personality that we’re not proud of – our ‘skeletons’. Trying to deny or get rid of these ‘skeletons’ might be impossible and potentially harmful. Instead, embracing them and turning them into something positive can be a more constructive approach.

In the context of today’s world, this quote could apply in many situations. For instance, consider social media where people often present an idealized version of themselves. This creates pressure for everyone else to live up to unrealistic standards. But rather than hiding their flaws or failures, individuals could embrace them as part of their unique journey and share these experiences honestly with others.

In terms of personal development, this idea encourages self-acceptance and growth from past mistakes. If we consider our failures as learning opportunities rather than shameful secrets to hide away, they become stepping stones towards improvement.

For example: If someone has failed in business before but learned valuable lessons from the experience – instead hiding this fact when starting a new venture – they might openly share it as part of their story which adds authenticity and shows resilience. They are effectively teaching their ‘skeleton’ how to dance by turning what was once considered negative into something positive.

Thus Shaw’s quote suggests an empowering approach towards dealing with personal flaws or past mistakes: Don’t try futilely to erase them; turn them into strengths instead.