Trier implies a positive attitude towards challenges and is used to encourage or compliment. Keep trying! You're a real trier and that's commendable.
Pro Tip 2/3
Personal Resilience
Use 'trier' to highlight someone's resilience in the face of failure or difficulty. He failed the test, but he's a trier and will study harder next time.
Pro Tip 3/3
Not Negative
'Trier' should not be confused with 'failure'; it does not imply incompetence. Though she lost the game, she is a trier, and that's what matters.