Huh, have you asked them if saying "I wish I was an enlightened super-being" carries similar fate-affixing virtues? Because if so it seems like a neat short circuit
Actuallu, Buddhists form that though very often as a part of their practice. The basic idea is that an action follows intention, so making this intention explicit helps.
yes, it does. It's essentially like reinforcement, where you keep telling yourself what you want, and learn how to get that. Eventually you work to get that.
It all starts with your wish.