We’re settling into the fourth quarter of the year, and if you’re anything like me, this is the time to start taking inventory. What did I accomplish? What goals are still within reach? What unexpected opportunities or challenges showed up along the way?
As I revisited my goals for 2026, one in particular stood out: publish my DNP project in a peer-reviewed nursing journal.
I completed my DNP last December and submitted my manuscript for publication during the first quarter of this year. In April, I received tentative acceptance, with instructions that additional information would follow as the publication date approached.
Well, that information arrived about a month ago. The final edits are due October 26th, with the manuscript being scheduled for the January 2027 issue.
And what did I do?
Yes, I waited until last week to really dig into those edits. Now, before anybody judges me, trust me, I’ve already had a conversation with myself about the procrastination. We’re good. But here’s where things got interesting…
As I worked through the requested revisions, I discovered that two graphics I wanted to include required copyright permissions. Permissions I hadn’t obtained.
And the irony? I just published a book a couple of months ago. I KNOW how this works! But somehow, the distinction between using materials for an academic project and republishing them in a professional journal hadn’t fully registered.
Suddenly, something I was excited about became something I was thoroughly irritated with. And for a brief moment, I thought…You know what? I don’t even want to do this anymore.
When Desire Meets Dread
During my quiet time this morning, I found myself reflecting on how often we pursue things—or even pray for things—without fully understanding what they’ll require of us.
We want the promotion, but haven’t considered the additional responsibility.
We want the business, but underestimate the constant sacrifices.
We want the degree, the opportunity, the platform, or the achievement, but don’t always account for the process that accompanies it.
In Luke 14:28 (NASB), Jesus uses the illustration of someone planning to build a tower, emphasizing the importance of first calculating the cost. Although He was teaching about the cost of discipleship, the principle of considering what we’re committing to is worth reflecting on.
Sometimes we count the reward before we’ve counted the cost. And when that cost becomes apparent, our enthusiasm starts negotiating with our commitment.
Is It Hard, or Do I Just Not Want to Do It?
Here’s what I had to admit to myself: these manuscript revisions are not beyond my ability. They’re tedious. They’re time-consuming. They require research, attention to detail, and learning a process I’m not yet familiar with. And frankly, I just don’t feel like doing all that!
But discomfort and difficulty aren’t always the same thing. James 1:4 (NIV) reminds us to let perseverance complete its work so that we may become mature and complete. That verse challenged me to consider something: What if the process isn’t just preparing the accomplishment, but also preparing me?
Once I navigate this publication process, I’ll have knowledge and experience that I can apply to future manuscripts. I’ll never gain that experience if I quit simply because the process is inconvenient.
Don’t Forsake What You Asked For
Galatians 6:9 (NIV) encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, reminding us that a harvest comes in due time if we don’t give up. Now, that doesn’t mean every goal we set is something God has ordained, or that every pursuit must be carried through at all costs. But it does mean we should examine our reasons for wanting to quit.
Is God redirecting us? Have our priorities genuinely changed? Or are we simply frustrated because the journey requires more than we anticipated?
As for me, I have some edits to finish. Not because I’m suddenly excited about copyright permissions and manuscript revisions, but because I still believe this goal is worth pursuing.
And perhaps that’s part of maturity: learning that commitment doesn’t always come with enthusiasm. Sometimes you just have to do the work.
Before You Abandon Ship…
If there’s something you’ve been working toward that’s beginning to feel more like a burden than a blessing, I want to encourage you to do three things:
Revisit your why.
Reassess your commitment.
Identify your next step.
Not every goal is meant to be pursued. Sometimes circumstances change, priorities shift, and God redirects our paths. Don’t mistake frustration for redirection or inconvenience for a closed door.
If the goal still matters, give yourself permission to acknowledge the frustration without allowing it to make the decision for you. Then take one intentional step forward. It doesn’t have to be a giant leap. It may simply be a prayer for clarity or obedience.
And remember, you don’t have to enjoy every part of the process to appreciate what it’s producing in you. Sometimes growth looks a whole lot like doing the thing you don’t feel like doing.
That’s life right now…
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