I seem to have this reoccuring problem in my live chess games, especially when I am down on the clock, where I make inexcusable mistakes because I can't take enough time to analyze the position, whereas, I feel like I am better at strategy, tactics and theory than most of the people I lose to. I'll often be winning for most of the game, but I blow the lead and the game with a blunder I could have otherwise avoided if I weren't on the clock. While my online chess rating has enjoyed a rapid upward trend, my live rating continues to drop, and I consistently beat/draw players in online chess that are ranked up to 300 points higher than some of the players I often lose to in live chess. Anyone have any ideas what I can do to improve my play in live chess? What are the best ways to properly analyze a position under time stress and avoid making mistakes? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks =)

Read up Dan Heisman's Novice Nook on the Two Move Triggers. (The Article is free and easily googled) Best advice ever written on time management.

Seems like you are diving into the ocean of chess without paying too much attention to the combat aspect of things.   Nerves, playing FAST  WHEN required and good time budgeting is essential to the practical OTB game called chess, not the theoretical aspect of it.

Some things you could do to improve your "combat-chess reflexes" are

- Redoing basic tactical puzzles with no more than 1-2 motifs so damn often that you don't have to think. Your brain already KNOWS how to finish the shot. (less than 1-2 seconds to see it)

- Playing blitz chess. Too much of it is bad, but you have to get a little blitz into your regimen in order to improve your nerves.

- Technique Exercises : Set up "won" positions against a computer at GM-strength and win it under TIME PRESSURE! (< 5 minutes)  Do this often enough and you'll stop blundering won positions in actual games.

Shivsky--thanks for the advice, I might try some of that.

I suffer from the same thing, all I can say is play more games and work on the openings.  The clock is another game altogether.  The only way to get your opponent in time trouble is ensure your openings are sound so you can fire them out quick.  Easy said of course. 

I can't be bothered with it. Too much tension. I like to take my time.