I'm glad it's useful!
Since your main struggle is to think in a small polished game experience, you should definitely try the first hour tip! xD It helps...
About the polish, it's better to do after your core game loop is on, and you have a playable experience... Leaving it for the last day it's fine! But if something is really easy to polish, sure why not.
When you start to having consistent results, you are going to enjoy a lot more! :D
The main problem I would work on, is to concept a simple small game idea fast, and being something that you like. Better than having the best idea, is to actually have a enjoyable game and polished if possible! Check my entry if you want to know what I mean (lost the first 12 hours of jam).