noun (n)

• an act of formulating a program for a definite course of action(noun.act)

  Example:
  The planning was more fun than the trip itself.
  

  source: wordnet30
• the act or process of drawing up plans or layouts for some project or enterprise(noun.act)

  source: wordnet30
• the cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening(noun.cognition)

  Example:
  His planning for retirement was hindered by several uncertainties.
  

  Synonym:
  preparation, provision
  

  source: wordnet30