what does it mean to live less out of habit and more out of intent?

It depends on who you are studying.  

To me, intent is focus.  Period.  What you concern your mind with, what you wish, what you are seeking and what you will use all your abilities to realize.

The stronger your intent becomes, the greater the power to actually achieve the goal.    It takes thinking, waiting and even fasting sometimes.  

One is a homeless Red Indian and the other is a naked Monk....:)