1. Identify the right journal: The first step is to identify the right journal for your research. This means finding a journal that publishes research in your field and that has a good reputation. You can use online databases, such as PsycINFO and PubMed, to search for journals that are relevant to your research.
2. Prepare your manuscript: Once you have identified the right journal, you need to prepare your manuscript. This includes writing a clear and concise abstract, as well as a body of text that is well-organized and easy to follow. You should also make sure that your manuscript is formatted according to the journal’s guidelines.
3. Submit your manuscript: Once your manuscript is ready, you can submit it to the journal. Most journals have an online submission process that you can follow.
4. Review process: The journal will then send your manuscript to a team of reviewers who will evaluate your research. The reviewers will look at the quality of your research, the originality of your ideas, and the significance of your findings.
5. Decision: The journal will then make a decision about your manuscript. If your manuscript is accepted, it will be published in the journal. If your manuscript is rejected, you may be able to revise it and resubmit it.

The biggest obstacle to submitting research to a professional journal is the peer review process. The peer review process can be time-consuming and frustrating, and it is not guaranteed that your manuscript will be accepted. However, it is important to remember that the peer review process is designed to ensure that the highest quality research is published.

Here are some tips for overcoming the obstacles to submitting research to a professional journal:

• Start early: The peer review process can take several months, so it is important to start the process early. This will give you plenty of time to prepare your manuscript and to revise it if necessary.
• Get feedback: It is helpful to get feedback on your manuscript from colleagues and mentors before you submit it to a journal. This feedback can help you to identify any weaknesses in your research and to improve your manuscript.
• Be patient: The peer review process can be frustrating, but it is important to be patient. Remember that the reviewers are volunteers who are giving their time to help you improve your research.
• Don’t give up: If your manuscript is rejected, don’t give up. Revise it and resubmit it to another journal. It may take several tries, but eventually your research will be published.