We are constantly bombarded with the idea that society is progressing - towards.. "something" - and change means "good", because "moving forward". Ergo, yesterday's things are inherently worse.

IMO I think that's at least part of the issue.

There's also the common notion that movement seems productive. If you are not moving, what are you doing? This effect happens on a lot of levels. Especially managers have to show they are moving needles. Any movement is better than no movement.