I started my blog back in 2009 because every Internet business and marketing seminar I watched at the time told me I had to. I had been trying to get a business started selling dating and life advice and was struggling.

The quote "I started my blog back in 2009 because every Internet business and marketing seminar I watched at the time told me I had to. I had been trying to get a business started selling dating and life advice and was struggling." by Mark Manson reflects his initial motivation for creating his blog and the challenges he faced in starting his own business. Manson’s decision to start a blog in 2009 was largely influenced by the advice he received from various Internet business and marketing seminars, which emphasized the importance of having an online presence. At that time, blogging was seen as an essential tool for gaining visibility and building a brand, especially in the online marketing space.

Manson shares that his goal was to create a business centered around dating and life advice, but he was struggling to make it work. His experience highlights the common struggles entrepreneurs face when trying to break into the online business world, especially in a highly competitive field like self-help and relationship coaching. Despite the difficulty, he recognized that establishing a blog could provide the visibility and engagement needed to grow his business, which led him to start writing and sharing content online.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Manson's early career as a self-help writer and the founder of his blog, where he initially focused on dating and life advice. Over time, Manson's blog evolved to encompass broader themes of personal development, psychology, and life philosophy. His early struggles in the online business world eventually led to the development of his well-known writing style, which combines honesty, humor, and straightforwardness.

Ultimately, Manson’s quote speaks to the importance of adapting to the digital landscape and using tools like blogging to reach an audience. It also illustrates the difficulties that many entrepreneurs face when trying to establish their brand online. Manson’s willingness to embrace blogging as a strategy, despite the initial struggles, helped him eventually build a successful online presence and transition into a well-respected author and speaker in the realm of self-improvement.