This document discusses elements of successful planning including defining goals and objectives, considering alternatives, and detailing actions, policies, and strategies. It emphasizes establishing structure, activities, milestones, and sequencing in initial planning while avoiding blockades like being too busy, unreliable third parties, or incomplete information. The importance of revisiting and fine-tuning plans, identifying shortfalls early, and having recovery plans is also highlighted. Key performance indicators should be specific, meaningful, accurate, reliable, and timely. Lessons should be learned from comparing original plans to actual outcomes.