Today's Word 👉 Liminal

Achieving stability through change

September 18, 2025

In partnership with

Take a minute and get one word smarter. Yes, only a minute!

Liminal (Li-muh-nuhl) (adjective): of, relating to, or being an intermediate state, phase, or condition : IN-BETWEEN, TRANSITIONAL.

“Liminal thinking requires a willingness to test and validate new ideas, even when they seem absurd, crazy, or wrong.”

— Dave Gray, Liminal Thinking

Published in 2016

In Liminal Thinking, Dave Gray shows that what feels “obvious” to us is usually just a belief—one built on past experiences and limited perspective. By stepping into a liminal mindset, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, deeper empathy, and transformative change.

SMARTER INSIGHT
Gray teaches that beliefs are just models—not absolute truths. Questioning them, especially in "liminal" moments of transition, can spark real growth. This approach is practical, especially in times of change, uncertainty, or conflict.

USE IT TODAY
Spot a belief that might be holding you back. Ask: "Is it actually true, or just an old boundary?" Try seeing someone else’s point of view, even for a moment. Fresh perspective starts at the threshold—where liminal thinking lives.

Help Us Get Slightly Smarter

How did you like today's email?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

MORNING BREW

Business news as it should be.

Join 4M+ professionals who start their day with Morning Brew—the free newsletter that makes business news quick, clear, and actually enjoyable.

Each morning, it breaks down the biggest stories in business, tech, and finance with a touch of wit to keep things smart and interesting.

WORKWEEK

Marketing ideas for marketers who hate boring

The best marketing ideas come from marketers who live it. That’s what The Marketing Millennials delivers: real insights, fresh takes, and no fluff. Written by Daniel Murray, a marketer who knows what works, this newsletter cuts through the noise so you can stop guessing and start winning. Subscribe and level up your marketing game.

GURU 2025

You’re invited to the world’s largest email marketing conference.

Become an email marketing guru at the GURU conference. It’s two days full of all things email marketing. Learn more about newsletters, deliverability, design trends, AI, and what NOT to do with email.

What you can expect:

  • Keynote Speakers: Nicole Kidman, Amy Porterfield & more!

  • The latest digital trends in email marketing & how to increase performance.

  • Networking opportunities - each day!

  • Dj’s, dance contests (judged by Lance Bass, yes for real), breaking world records & MORE!

Spots are limited. It’s VIRTUAL. It’s FREE. It’s time to become an email marketing GURU. Join 25,000+ marketers on November 6th & 7th. Don’t miss out!