Alcoholics Anonymous 12 steps, and the confusion between the 6th step and 7th step:  Step 6 is...."Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character" simply means that we are ready for step 7, and ready for God to remove those things he (we) finds objectionable.  Shortcoming and Character defects are essentially meaning the same thing except step 6 is being "ready", and step 7 is asking for him (God) to remove those difficulties through the 7th step prayer.  The two different phrases, makes it sometimes confusing; (character defects and shortcomings).

Note:  Step 5, 6 and 7 should preferably be done in succession, although sometimes a long 4th step, means a 5th step that can last 5 or 6 hours or more, which should be split up if either party gets tired or loses their attention (connection).