Matters of the heart are seldom simple, but over time humans have created a language to make them a bit easier to understand. Everyone knows these romantic clichés. They’re the ones rolled out at a break up, during times of trouble or in the early days of a blossoming courtship. But what wisdom could these catchphrases offer to your career?

“Faint heart never won fair lady.”

What do all of Google’s famously happy and satisfied employees have in common? It’s not necessarily their digital skills, knowing the right people or the school they attended.

They all applied for a job at Google.

Listen to Sheryl Sandberg’s rallying advice. To get ahead at work, you have to lean in. You can’t get a job if you don’t apply for it. And you will miss every single opportunity you do not take. Be brave: go for it.

“There’s plenty more fish in the sea.”

You probably heard this first from a parent, whilst in the throes of your first heartbreak. Maybe that wasn’t your soul mate, but worry not: there are plenty more people out there. The same goes for jobs. There are an infinite number of careers and businesses out there – and more are changing or being invented all the time.

If something isn’t working, there’s plenty more out there. Try something new.

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

Even the most enjoyable job can become tedious at times. And that’s ok – sometimes you need a break. The human brain thrives on being stimulated. Rather than let yourself fall into despondency, take a step away. Go on holiday, try working on a different project or shaking things up. Give yourself some space to fall back in love with your job.

“You have to kiss a few frogs!”

There are plenty of questionable choices throughout any lifetime – but they lead you along a path. A bad job isn’t a waste of time – it’s a lesson, or a step in the right direction, even if it involved taking a step away from the route you were taking.

“You’ve made your bed [now lie in it]”

Though the romantic connotations are negative here, there is a lesson to be learned. All actions have consequences. So if you take a risk or gamble, you should see it through. Own the outcomes and be accountable. Even if the results are unfavourable, it’s important to show your colleagues and managers that you’re reliable and responsible.

But Not “A leopard never changes its spots.”

It’s a useful one to remember when dealing with other people; no amount of eye-rolling will curb a colleague’s annoying habits. But in your own life and career, it doesn’t have to be the case. Just because you fill a certain part – be it a certain job or social role – you are not fixed in place.

You have the freedom to change your circumstances.