Why Platforms Multiply Results—and How To Stand on Giants' Shoulders

Success isn’t just about working harder, but about finding the right lever. In technology, 'platforms'—shared systems and tools built by others—let even small players move quickly. Instead of writing every line of software from scratch, savvy coders use frameworks like Ruby on Rails to stand on the work of countless others. Twitter, for example, was built in days, not years, because the team used easy-to-adapt platforms rather than reinventing the wheel.

The same principle applies to education and career building. Finland’s rapid leap in school quality wasn’t fueled by just more effort, but by upgrading its teaching 'platform'—demanding higher qualifications and fostering mentorship. This higher base layer lifted everyone, accelerating progress compared to systems stuck in the mud of repetitive, low-leverage tactics.

Behavioral science calls this leveraging 'network effects' or 'social capital.' When you build on an existing foundation, your own learning accelerates, and by sharing your additions, the whole system improves—creating a virtuous loop. The key? Don’t repeat what’s already been solved. Find a platform, adapt it, and add your unique value.

Start by examining where you’re still building from scratch when there’s already a tool, group, or framework out there that could help you leap ahead. Get comfortable using platforms others have created, and if you find ways to improve them, share your tweaks back. Level up by joining communities with a higher baseline—whether that’s an advanced class, a professional group, or elite competition—where growth is built in. Every hour you save repeating tasks is an hour you can invest in learning, experimenting, or creating something even better. Take one step this week: adopt or contribute to a platform in your field.