If the thought of working until you can collect Social Security is too depressing for you, think outside the box. Although many people might tell you it can’t be done, early retirement is an option for you if you begin to plan when you’re young enough.

But, be forewarned, it will take a lot of discipline and self-control to reach your goals. Here is how you can do it.

Start a 401k As Soon As You’re Able

The first day you’re eligible, sign up for your company’s 401k. Commit to making as high of a contribution to it as you can out of every paycheck.

Once you have started contributing, review your contribution level every six months or so and see if there is a way you can bump it up. While contributing 10 percent of your own income, not including your employer’s match is a good start, if you’re eyeing early retirement, that won’t be enough. You should attempt to get that percentage up to 20 percent as soon as you can.

Because you won’t be working as many years, you need to save aggressively while you do.

Take Some Risk

Because you’ll need your retirement savings sooner than your peers, you’ll need to seek out high returns. That means you’ll need to get comfortable with assuming some risky stocks in your 401k. Those safe options may be more appealing, but you need to earn as much interest as you can – and that means taking on some risk.

Watch Your Home Purchase

Unless you can find rent dirt cheap, it’s better to buy a home than rent because you’re building equity. If you plan to flip your home for a profit, you might spend a little more upfront for a home, especially if it’s located in a neighborhood you believe will take off someday. Many early retirees were able to say goodbye to the working life because of flipping a home.

If you’re buying a house you plan to stay in for the rest of your life, remember to make it affordable. If you’re spending too much on a house, it’s going to be harder to meet your retirement goals.

Add a Side Gig

While watching your spending is crucial, it doesn’t hurt to have a little extra money coming in either. If you find a side gig you love, you might be able to continue doing it well into your retirement years too. It could be an invaluable source of income for you then. And until then, it can help you save more aggressively.

If you have a talent for writing or you’re handy with tools, cash in on your skill. By joining some freelance sites online, you’ll be able to bring a significant amount of money in each month.

Don’t Cave To Peer Pressure

It’s only natural to want to live as fancy of a lifestyle as your friends are. It can be tempting to join them when you see them driving expensive cars, dropping a lot of money on nice clothes, and taking exotic vacations. But remember, every dollar you spend now is robbing your dreams of early retirement.

You have to decide which is more important to you – early retirement or instant gratification – and act accordingly.