“Clean your boots off” is a mindset I learned the hard way.
Whatever dirt, mud, or grime you’ve been walking through all day—clean it off before you drag it into the house…. or leave your boots outside altogether. The same principle applies to how you walk into anything: your home, your next meeting, a presentation—whatever it is. A focused mind and the right energy make a huge difference.
If you want to connect with the people in front of you, you have to bring the right energy. As Churchill production leader Denese Carty says, “Everything needs a walk‑up song.”
We all respond differently and have personal rhythms—some intentional, some subconscious—that help us prepare our hearts and minds for action. Some use breathing techniques, some seek quiet, some pray, some use physical movement. Denese uses a walk‑up song: music she plays as she walks on stage to speak, or more often in the car, at home, or in the office before an important engagement to reset her mind.
Scripture reminds us of the power of what we allow into our hearts: