Allan Gray The Allan Gray Podcast

31. The cost of chasing perfection when investing – with Dr Thomas Curran

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Is perfectionism costing us more than we realise in mental health, life and investment decision-making? Our head of Group Savings and Investments, Shaheed Mohamed, and Dr Thomas Curran, a leading academic on perfectionism and bestselling author, explore how striving for perfection can undermine long-term outcomes. Their conversation ranges from burnout and analysis paralysis to the hidden cost of chasing short-term gains. They also delve into the difference between perfection and excellence, the role of behavioural bias in investing, and the value of cultivating self-compassion and working towards realistic goals.
Chapters
  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 01:30 Is perfectionism costing us more than we realise?
  • 10:15 The hidden costs of chasing short-term investment gains
  • 15:30 Perfection versus excellence: A critical distinction
  • 24:00 The role of behavioural biases when striving for the "perfect" portfolio
  • 32:30 The path to better outcomes
  • 39:00 Closing
1 Dec 2025 English South Africa Business · Investing

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