Pulling back to regroup isn’t giving up. Armies retreat to win wars all the time.

Stepping back gets confused with quitting because both look like withdrawal from outside. The difference is intention: a retreat is a move inside a longer plan, chosen to preserve what you have and return in better shape. Pushing on with nothing left is not courage, only the more expensive option.

If you are grinding at something and losing ground, name what you would need in order to come back stronger. Time, help, a different approach, sleep. Then take the pause deliberately and say when you are returning, so the pause stays a pause.