In football, you get 4 downs to advance the ball 10 yards to get a new first down. If after three downs, you are short of the mark, you have a choice of either trying to go for it (knowing you might not make it) or to punt, thus giving the ball back to the other team, but at least doing so at a disadvantage to them. This second choice is often a good option because it gives the team a chance to regroup, take a breather and re-attack the problem anew from a fresh perspective later. It is no different in healthcare. It is not a failure to temporarily take a moment of respite while still addressing the overall strategic goals.