New Year’s resolutions are a peculiar thing. Some people look forward to the practice and the blank slate it brings. Others shirk the habit for more general intentions observed throughout the year. No matter what kind of meaning we imbue January with, resolutions are made with ritual and hope. Here, local Missoulians express their take on 2026 and the hope it brings.
Lindsey Thompson, Associate Director, Product & Brand of Vim & Vigr
Do you practice setting New Year’s resolutions?
January is a month that I truly look forward to. It is a time to slow down post-holiday season, a time to reflect on the upcoming year and what kind of energy I want to bring to it. My reflection practice includes: 1. Word of the Year: Every January, I pick a word for the upcoming year. Something that encompasses my focus for the year and what I want to put my attention to, and 2. Intentions: I feel that there is a lot of power in understanding the "why" behind an action and intentions are grounded in the motivation behind an action rather than a specific outcome.
What might be your’s for 2026?
In order to bring positivity, presence, and change to our families, friends and communities, staying grounded is going to be very important. I have a feeling this will be a theme for me in picking my word and in setting my intentions for 2026.
What do you wish for Missoula this coming year?
Missoula is an inspirational community. I feel so blessed to have grown up here and to now be raising my family here. It is a community that celebrates inclusivity and equality, and it is my hope that Missoula continues to show up in this way AND that more people find confidence in their voices.
Paige Livingston, Owner of One Eleven Boutique
Do you practice setting New Year’s resolutions?
I always set a New Year's resolution. That doesn't mean I always accomplish it entirely, but I like having a reason to work on myself. My resolutions are never too heavy, either. A couple of years ago I had a resolution to eat more salads and—surprise—I did!
What might be your’s for 2026?
My New Year's resolution this year is to be more present in the moment. I've recently helped open a new business and between my two businesses, I find myself answering emails and text messages around the clock. I want to slow down and spend really intentional time with the people that I love.
What do you wish for Missoula this coming year?
If I could set a New Year's resolution for Missoula it would be that we quiet the outside noise and focus inward on our community.
Paul Barmore, Artist at Big Sky Flies
Do you practice setting New Year’s resolutions?
I will usually cast an annual vision for my business to reach for in the upcoming year. I like doing this because it naturally causes me to reflect over the previous year and appreciate my recent accomplishments, which gives me momentum that makes new successes feel even more attainable. Since I first started Big Sky Flies in 2018, I’ve had one goal; to make a living doing what I am uniquely passionate about. This vision has been the driving force of my progress and has allowed me to prioritize the fusion of passion and financial success.
What might be your’s for 2026?
This coming year, Big Sky Flies is launching a new line of handcrafted steel logs designed to bring artistry to gas fire pits everywhere. I am excited to focus on making people aware that fine art can be functional. I love sitting around a fire with friends and family, so sharing a way to enhance that experience with my artwork is a rewarding pursuit.
What do you wish for Missoula this coming year?
I’d like to see Missoula become a place where people know they can come here from any background to hear and see the Gospel lived out all around them. It would also be a bonus if we could fix Brennan's Wave. It’s an awesome feature and, since being built, it has degraded in quality. The flow could be redirected into one main channel so that the wave feature receives the maximum volume of water and can be enjoyed more days out of the year.
Kathy Mangan, Life & Career Coach at Laying Groundwork Life & Career Coaching
Do you practice setting New Year’s resolutions?
I don't set New Year's resolutions. I am practicing NOT putting off until some date in the future and just starting right now.
What might be your’s for 2026?
Currently continue to work on being more and more authentic.
What do you wish for Missoula this coming year?
For Missoula, I would love us to go back in time a bit to the time when we made eye contact with our fellow community members, like walking downtown and offering a smile.
Bailey Durnell and Rachel Cowan, Small business owners of Missoula Makers Collective
Do you practice setting New Year’s resolutions?
We do not generally take part in setting a New Year's resolution for Missoula Makers. Instead, we have a tendency to relish in the rest period and lack of resolutions after the holidays. The second half of the year is a marathon for small business owners, and the reprieve from January through March is something we try to take advantage of. That being said, we often come out of the first quarter of the year feeling inspired, ready to set goals, and excited to get to work. So not quite a New Year's resolution; maybe a New Year’s renewal instead.
What do you wish for Missoula this coming year?
To continue being excellent stewards of our community—something Missoulians already do well and something we clearly hold very dear.
Patricia Skergan, Chiropractic Physician & Owner of Helmer Family Chiropractic
What is your New Year’s Resolution for 2026?
My resolution for the new year, as it is everyday, is to practice compassion and non-judgement for my fellow sentient beings, including myself.
What do you wish for Missoula this coming year?
I see a lot of people walking around town with their heads down. I would like to see the Missoula community continue in their gratitude and feel a little lighter.
"It is a time to slow down post-holiday season, a time to reflect on the upcoming year and what kind of energy I want to bring to it." - Lindsey Thompson
"I want to slow down and spend really intentional time with the people that I love." - Paige Livingston
"I am excited to focus on making people aware that fine art can be functional." - Paul Barmore
"For Missoula, I would love us to go back in time a bit to the time when we made eye contact with our fellow community members, like walking downtown and offering a smile." - Kathy Mangan