For many Australians, the idea of early retirement can feel out of reach.

But the good news is that even if you're in your 40s or 50s, it is still possible to build a meaningful nest egg using ASX shares that could help you retire early.

It won't happen overnight. But with the right mindset, smart investment choices, and a disciplined strategy, early retirement might be more achievable than you think.

Step 1: Shift from saving to investing

Saving money is important, but putting it to work in quality investments is how real wealth is built. ASX shares give you ownership in companies that can grow, pay dividends, and compound returns over time. This can be far more effective than relying on interest from a bank account — especially in today's low-rate world.

Step 2: Let compounding work

If you're starting later, you'll likely need to focus on capital growth rather than chasing income alone. Shares like Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD), or WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) don't always have the highest dividend yields, but they've delivered strong long-term returns that can supercharge a portfolio.

For a more diversified approach, you could consider ASX ETFs like the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) for global tech exposure, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) for core local market returns, and the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT) for quality-focused international companies.

The goal is to invest in businesses with sustainable competitive advantages, reliable earnings, and long runways for growth. This will allow you to benefit from the power of compounding.

Step 3: Maximise your contributions

If you're in your 40s or 50s and want to retire early, contribution size matters more than ever. That might mean directing more of your salary into investments or using tax-efficient strategies such as salary sacrificing into super.

Outside of super, regular investing into a diversified ASX share portfolio — even just $1,000 or $2,000 a month — can build serious wealth if sustained over 10 to 15 years.

For example, $1,000 a month generating a 10% per annum return would turn into $200,000 in 10 years and then $400,000 after 15 years.

Step 4: Reinvest

Compounding works best with time, but it still packs a punch when you reinvest dividends consistently.

Rather than spending them, reinvesting them into your portfolio to accelerate your growth could shave years off your early retirement timeline.

Step 5: Transition to income

Once you've built your wealth and you're ready for retirement, the final step is transitioning to an income-focused portfolio.

That might include ASX dividend shares like Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), and Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV).

These kinds of shares can provide stable cash flow in retirement while allowing you to also benefit from capital growth as their businesses grow.

Foolish takeaway

Starting late doesn't mean it is too late. With focus and consistency, you can use ASX shares to build the wealth you need for early retirement — even if you feel behind today.

The best time to start may have been 10 years ago — but the next best time is right now.