When you’re using your own emotions and experiences, don’t forget your insights and epiphanies. Just as you grow and learn so should your characters.
This allows for change and the unfolding of story flow. Your characters now have another motive for behaviour…good or bad. A reason for the readers to reach out for the flawed hero/heroine.
Use these to plant clues. Think a jigsaw puzzle where you suddenly look at from a different angle and find the missing pieces.
From the active and obvious to the most subtle of your inner being, it’s all there for your use. Don’t shy away.