I'm trying to improve

I think so. I kept seeing people saying tactics were one of the most important decisive factors to begin with so I started on Typical Tactical Tricks. Some of it felt/feels like it's going over my head, but 95% feels like it's getting me used to good tactical play.

Now working on Smithy's Opening Fundamentals and Basic Endgames (which has a strangely off-putting beginning, but afterwards seems worthwhile).

Learn and apply the most important principles of chess. - (core of my teaching)
Always blunder-check your moves.
Solve tactics in the right way.
Analyze your games.
Study games of strong players.
Learn how to be more psychologically resilient.
Work on your time management skills.
Get a coach if you can.