I feel like I've moved onto the next stage of this =)...

Friend: How's your game going.

Me: I've got some of the map stuff I was working on working, but last weekend I had a brainwave for a new mechanic idea that I really like, so I spent some time quickly prototyping that out.

Friend: Oh cool, can I see it?

Me: Sure, shows them the prototype

Friend: This looks pretty cool, but I don't think it fits what you're currently building?

Me: I could make it fit, in some ways it's just a resource allocation mechanic, but you're right, it doesn't quite fit, but it's done for now and maybe I can use it in something else in the future. Best get back to my game...

So lots of small chunks of progress with asides now and again when I get some zany idea.