Motivation comes and goes, but if you're anything like me, it stays far, far away from me most of the time. This time of year is especially hard because the holidays are all about relaxation, yummy food, and countless sweets and treats. Those things are all good in moderation, but it is important that we keep our motivation to stay on track of our fitness goals.

Keep these 20 tips in mind, and you are sure to have a successful holiday season.

1. Start today

It is okay if you have already had 27 cookies today. Start today anyway regardless of mess ups because, chances are, if you put it off until tomorrow, tomorrow is going to turn into never. Get started!

2. Set small goals

There is nothing more daunting than setting a goal that seems unachievable in the short term. While long term goals are good, they often require several small, short term goals in the process. If you focus on the small goals, the large ones seem a bit more doable.

3. Plan ahead

Plan. Plan. Plan. It is important to know what workout you are going to be doing when you walk into the gym so you don't wander around and then find an excuse to leave before completing your workout. It is also important to plan meals ahead of time so the temptation to eat junk isn't as strong.

4. Create a motivational Pinterest board

I don't know why, but this gets my motivation pumping probably more than anything. There is nothing that inspires me more than success stories/photos or healthy recipes, doable workouts, and quotes.

5. Remember why you're doing this

This one is important. If you lose track of the reason why, you're likely to give up. Your reason why you're doing this in the first place should be motivation enough to get you going.

6. Make a daily routine

It takes 21 days to form a habit. Start a daily routine so that by the end of the 21 days, you have developed some healthy habits that will be easier and easier to incorporate into your every day life.

7. Go to bed & wake up earlier

Sleep is so important. Do not strain your body to stay up super late watching TV. Netflix can wait. Your body needs sleep, and you will feel more rested and have so much more energy if you go to bed earlier so you can wake up earlier and start your day.

8. Allow room for mistakes

If you put unrealistic expectations on yourself, you are going to get super discouraged when you mess up because it is going to happen (AND THAT IS OKAY). A mess up every now and then is fine. Giving up because you messed up is not.

9. Track your progress

There are so many apps out there that will help you keep track of your progress. Take advantage of those! I use MyFitnessPal to track my exercise, calorie intake and macros. This helps so much because you may not think you see any progress, but apps like this will help you keep track of the small victories along the way that you otherwise would have missed.

10. Change it up!

It is easy to get bored with certain foods and the same workout routine every day. In fact, your muscles can get used to it too. Change up what you eat; try new recipes. In the gym, change up your workout routine every month so that your muscles are always experiencing new movements and therefore working new muscle groups.

11. Make a playlist

Make a playlist that is upbeat and gets you excited and motivated to work out or go for a walk. This can help more than you think it can.

12. Find accountability

Try exercising with a friend! If there is someone waiting on you to workout, you are less likely to not go because you have accountability with someone other than yourself. Also, when you are struggling with food choices and lack of motivation, just shoot your accountability partner a text. You don't have to do this by yourself.

13. Make the most of your time

What is more beneficial--a 30 minute TV break or a 30 minute walk. It doesn't have to be anything super vigorous, just get moving. There are 24 hours in a day-- make the most of them.

14. Get to know yourself

What part of the day do you feel most alert, energized and productive? For me, it is first thing in the morning. Use that time to be your most productive. Hate running? Find a different form of cardio to do. If you don't know what you like and what works for you, you'll get burned out from doing things you don't like.

15. Establish a rewards system

Celebrate the small victories. Try to reward yourself with something other than food, but if you want a cookie, have a cookie. It is not going to be the end of the world. A rewards system gives you something to work toward in the short term.

16. Cut down on the caffeine

Just do it (& thank me later).

17. Don't compare yourself

You should only be competing and comparing yourself to yourself. Every person is different and therefore what works for them is going to be unique to them. Don't compare your progress to anyone else and certainly, don't let it discourage you. (I'm the world's worst at this one.)

18. Do your research

Find out the composition of the foods that you are eating. (I recommend purchasing a copy of Eat Pretty: Nutrition for Beauty Inside and Out by Jolene Hart. Check out superfoods and take advantage of when you can incorporate them into your diet. Learn all about the science of exercise and exactly what happens when you do it.

19. Be Patient

Your results are not going to happen overnight. Be patient and content with knowing that good things take time and hard work. You will see your results if you put in the time and effort.

20. Just do it

This is the biggest piece of advice I can give. (Thanks Nike). Don't feel like exercising? Just do it. Don't want to have a salad instead of a burger? Just do it. I promise you will feel better after making these choices if you just do it.