Dwight D. Eisenhower once voiced one of my favorite quotes: “Plans are nothing. Planning is everything.” He went on to explain that when planning for an emergency, the very definition of “emergency” means that we weren’t expecting it. It is very likely that things won’t go according to plan.

But planning keeps us focused on a goal and allows us to envision an outcome and to organize toward it. Although things may not go according to plan, the act of planning allows us to reflect, and to incorporate the lessons learned.

Rather than blind allegiance to a documented plan, it’s better to learn from the process of planning and replanning.