Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing that one's personal power is often derived from the platform they are associated with, rather than from individual capabilities alone [2][43]. Group 1: Personal Experiences and Lessons - The article discusses the experience of Yang Mingming, a former CCTV host who faced challenges after leaving her stable job to start her own business, highlighting the harsh realities of entrepreneurship [3][5][7]. - Yang's transition from a protected environment to the entrepreneurial world led to significant stress and even mental health issues, illustrating the difficulties of managing various responsibilities as a business owner [11][12][18]. - The narrative draws parallels to a story about a colleague's experience with a supply chain manager, who overestimated his abilities after leaving a large company, ultimately failing in his own venture [26][30][34]. Group 2: The Role of Platforms - The article uses the metaphor of a circus trainer to illustrate how individuals often rely on larger frameworks or platforms to project strength and capability, which can lead to overconfidence [15][19][21]. - It stresses that many professionals, especially those in mid-career, may mistakenly believe their personal abilities are the source of their success, rather than the platform that supports them [23][45]. - The article cites historical examples, such as the success of individuals from Peixian County during the Han Dynasty, to demonstrate how platforms can significantly influence personal achievements [51][56]. Group 3: Strategies for Career Advancement - The article suggests several strategies for individuals to leverage platforms for career growth, including the "canvas strategy," which involves building relationships with influential figures to create opportunities [74][76][82]. - It advocates for a T-shaped skill development approach, where individuals deepen their expertise while also broadening their knowledge across different fields to enhance adaptability [83][94]. - The concept of "joining before joining" is introduced as a method for individuals to showcase their capabilities to potential employers by producing relevant work prior to formal employment [98][102][106].