We were lucky to catch up with Maggie Harding recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Maggie, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
While my parents have always been amazingly supportive and encouraging, one of the best things they did was send me to Girl Scout summer camp as a child. Little did I know—as I was making friends and memories, camp was shaping me. The 2-week Counselor in Training program at age 14 helped turn me from the kid whose face turned beet red when called on in class to a young woman with a little more courage and confidence. The 6-day bike trip where we discovered our tent was missing its poles taught me invaluable creative problem-solving skills and that a positive attitude changes everything. The ongoing faith put in me by the leadership team encouraged and inspired me to become a leader myself.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Make It Neat with Maggie provides comprehensive organizing solutions that will refresh your home, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. My business was born from a passion for helping people, with core values of kindness, compassion, and connection.
My journey into professional organizing began with helping my parents declutter my childhood home. Through this process, I not only discovered a genuine passion for organizing but also realized my talent for it. It seemed as though there was a literal weight lifted from my parents’ shoulders at the end of each trip home, and I was eager to spread my wings and share my skills.
One aspect I cherish about my work is its variety – each project and person I encounter brings a unique perspective and challenge. I recognize that being organized looks different to everyone, and I strive to help everyone find their happy place. When you work with Make It Neat with Maggie, you’re not just getting an organizer – you’re getting a friend who truly cares about your needs.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that have proven most impactful are active listening, creative problem-solving, and maintaining a positive attitude.
Listening has been essential in understanding the needs and desires of those I work with, allowing me to tailor solutions that truly resonate with them. I know it’s cheesy, but “we were given two ears and one mouth for a reason.”
Creative problem-solving has enabled me to approach challenges from multiple angles, finding innovative solutions that work for my clients. I love looking at a challenge as “let’s see how many different ways can we solve this problem!” as opposed to “how on earth will we solve this problem?”
And, last but not least, everything comes down to attitude. One of my favorite mantras is, “The difference between an adventure and an ordeal is attitude,” and I do my best to bring this perspective to everything I do.
For those embarking on their own journey, my advice would be to prioritize your core values. For me, this means practicing listening not just to respond but to truly understand others’ perspectives and needs. Cultivate problem-solving skills by embracing creativity, experimenting with different approaches, and being open to unconventional solutions. Lastly, nurture a positive attitude by focusing on gratitude, surrounding yourself with supportive influences, and approaching challenges with an optimistic mindset. Remember, growth is a journey, and by continuously honing these qualities, you’ll not only navigate your path more effectively but also enrich the lives of those around you.
As a bonus, my advice is to find your tribe. Your group of folks who fiercely support you and your goals. Find people in your industry who believe that we will all go farther by supporting each other than by viewing each other as competition, and give more than you take!
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who is open to coaching, excited about making changes, and interested in building a solid relationship along the way. The more we get to know each other, the more effective our work together will be, creating trust and teamwork to achieve their goals.
Contact Info:
- Website:www.makeitneat.co
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/makeitneatwithmaggie
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/makeitneatwithmaggie
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/makeitneatwithmaggie
