Published: January 01. 2010 2:00AM

We find it absolutely impossible to start a new year without at least a stab at a little self-improvement. Maybe the best way to start is to get advice from those we respect about things that worked (and didn’t) for them last year. Since our contributors are without a doubt some of the savviest people around, we posed the following statement and asked them to complete it in their own inimitable way. Here’s hoping you pick up a tip or two and best wishes for a very happy new year!

Leslie Provence, Social Contributor
“Always laugh with someone, but never laugh at someone.”

Sybil Davis, Etiquette Contributor
“Always exhibit confidence, but never be so confident that you come across as arrogant — there is a fine line.”

Kondria Woods, Contributing Writer
“Always move forward, but never forget to be thankful for the journey.”

Stephanie Morgan, Contributing Writer
“We are always listening to the churning of the washing machine at our house, but never on Sunday. It receives a well-deserved rest, too!”

Ashley Warlick, Book Contributor
“Always be confident but never so sure of yourself you look like you think you’re a superhero. You’ll get hurt doing that.”

Renata Parker, Destinations and Dining Out Contributor
“I always like to eat “slow food,” but never eat it slowly.”

Dan Byers, Automotive Contributor
“Always adore, never abhor.”

Janet Poleski, Food Contributor
“Always the cook, never the dishwasher.”

Josh Norris, Photographer
“Always learn from the past but never live there.”

Danny Baker, Wine Contributor
“Always second-guess, but never regret.”

Stephanie Trotter, Contributing Writer
“Always there, but never on time. My sense of timing seems to run about 10 minutes behind everyone else’s watch.”