You apply intelligence when you learn from a mistake. Evaluate your results to understand how your actions caused them. If the desired outcome occurred, repeat those actions under the same circumstances in the future. If your progress is not goal-directed, analyze it and take appropriate action to rectify the situation and return your motion toward point C . As a further caution, make sure you measure the right things.
Some independent publishers use profit as their indicator of success.
However, profits are like a thermometer in that they only serve as a measuring device, not a controlling apparatus. Profits tell you that you are doing something right or wrong, but they offer no insight into what that action is. For greater impact on your net income, review the actions that cause profits to increase or decrease and place your attention on correcting them. Intelligent action also depends on the result of continuing education, which is a never-ending process. Do not stop learning just because you have been graduated from school.