Joel Osteen's teachings, "Refuse Negative Seeds," teaches that words and thoughts are like seeds that can either build you up or tear you down. You must guard your mind and intentionally reject negativity from both yourself and others to protect your destiny.
 
Words are powerful seeds
Osteen explains that if you dwell on negative words long enough, they will take root and become your reality. The good news, however, is that you get to choose what is planted in the "soil" of your mind. You have the power to decide which thoughts and words you allow to influence your life. 

Guard your mind
According to Osteen, guarding your mind means being selective about which seeds you allow to take root. You must actively say "no thanks" to thoughts or words that are: 
Negative
Discouraging
Designed to bring fear
Putting you down 

He emphasizes that dismissing doubt and negative talk from others is a key part of winning the battle in your mind before it becomes a reality. 

Common sources of negative seeds
Negative seeds can come from a variety of sources: 
Other people: Some people will cast doubt and negativity, especially when you are on the verge of a new level of success or favor.
"Experts": These can be people or news reports that offer discouraging facts about health, the economy, or other circumstances.
Your own thoughts: You can generate your own negative "what-if" scenarios, which are often the worst-case outcomes. 

How to refuse negative seeds
Osteen provides actionable steps for dismissing negativity and cultivating a positive mindset: 
Tune it out: Let negative words go in one ear and out the other. If you don't dwell on them, they will die and have no effect on you.
Declare positive affirmations: When discouraging thoughts come, turn them around by declaring what God says about you. For instance, if thoughts say your best days are behind you, declare that your latter days will be better than your former ones.
Dwell on the "best-case scenario": Instead of letting worst-case "what-ifs" take root, actively focus on hopeful, faith-filled thoughts and the best possible outcomes.
Recognize your destiny comes from God: Remember that people do not determine your destiny, God does. Their opinions are not your reality