Is it really that easy, miss the flop and look for the nearest exit sign?

I feel that lots of times I will fold to a mini raise on the flop or be called and then check-fold the turn and I'm always wondering if my AK wasn't good. This happens so often that I'm thinking that they can't have something every time this happens which means I should reevaluate my play. AK is tough, I think that I should mix it up, sometimes check this flop, sometimes fold to a bet, sometimes call, sometimes raise, when I bet the flop and am called sometimes bet the turn, sometimes give up ...

I just see this as a tough spo and just giving up every time I miss is a little too "standard" for my liking, perhaps I'm wrong. Would sure like to hear other thoughts though.