How do you scope, organize and execute a test project?

You used to organize and execute any work that was being assigned to you. Like
- I was keeping track of progress of each work item in an excel sheet.
- I reported weekly status reports to my lead explaining progresses made so far.
- When ever I felt that a particular work item was going to take more time than I expected, then I used to revise estimates and set new deadlines and inform the same to my lead.