Made of Glass

[rayheinrich]

"You try too hard" isn't some clairvoyant statement about your entire 'you';
it refers to the part of that 'you' who's attempting to be a writer.

It could be phrased: "As a writer, you try too hard" as this is its
intent (or at least it is when I use it); but since it is used in the
context of a critique of your writing, the "as a writer" is implied,
not directly stated.

I hope this helps to clarify (pun intended) this term's meaning and usage.  
Ray